Are you looking for a cold place to go camping together with your family and friends without the hassle of climbing mountains? Camping at Driftwoods Sports Park in Indang is the perfect spot for us city dwellers! Plus, Driftwoods is 15 minutes away from Tagaytay!
It’s January 2, 2021 and before we start hustling again at work, in business, and in life, Ryan and I decided to go on a quick getaway here in the South.
What I love with this getaway is that we actually don’t have an itinerary.
We just went out but made sure we bring our camping necessities for this trip.
CAMPING NECESSITIES
Camping Tent/s
Pillows and kumot
Jackets
Food
Solar panel, lights (Ryan loves this so much!)
Extension wires
Food
TIP: I suggest you get a bag for camping necessities or in our case a storage box that we just place in our trunk para kung gusto man gumala na walang destination, at least you have these essentials.
CAMPING EXPERIENCE AT DRIFTWOODS SPORTS PARK IN INDANG
It’s been two months since we went driving around Cavite with only ‘Tara, let’s go kahit saaan!!’ in mind. Haha! We brought camping essentials because we wanna camp anywhere instead of checking in an inn or hotel.
We also brought with us our little Tummy (our rescue dog) and we want him to enjoy nature.
After roaming around the highways of Cavite, we went to Pantihan Falls in Maragondon. And after an hour or two basking in this falls, we looked for a place to stay.
And there we saw Driftwoods. We immediately called the place and good thing they are quick to answer our call!
Tent Pitching: P350 per person
Super best spot because the place is animal friendly! Our super Tummy is happy!
We actually didn’t expect much but when we arrived in the area, we were so happy! This is the perfect camping area for families talaga!
What we love about the Driftwoods Indang:
Clean
With clean bathrooms/restrooms
Big grassy area
Well-maintained camping areas
Kind employees
We arrived at around 4PM in the afternoon and there’s one employee who went to us asking if they need our help. Such a sweet gesture. 🙂
Actually, we had some trouble looking for space because we loved the areas a lot! We don’t know where to pitch! Haha!
Good thing before it went dark, we have already pitched our tent. Our little tummy started running around. So happy to see her running around, parang super free sya and super happy!
Here are some of our pictures.
We got up at around 6:30 in the morning and before we packed up, we roamed around the park, and we had so much fun looking at all the greens!
This is for me the best part of our two-day getaway! Ryan and I, together with our little Tummy enjoyed our camping so much. Are we going back? Yes, of course! We’ll bring our family and friends too!
Corregidor Island is a tadpole-shaped island situated at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. It is known for its historical contribution to the defense of Manila because of its strategic location.
Corregidor may be a small island but this 48-kilometer long island stands as a memorial for the courage and heroism of our Filipino forefathers and American defenders who fought the Japanese during World War II.
Where is Corregidor located?
Majority of the people I meet, if asked where is Corregidor located, they would insist it’s part of the Bataan peninsula. Years before, I would personally insist on this as well but after researching (and this trip as a proof), Corregidor Island is part ofCavite.
I think Corregidor Island is mostly known to be part of Bataan because it is linked to the Death March that happened in Bataan. But, yes! Corregidor is actually part of Cavite City, Cavite.
But if you are one of those who have their own vessels, (yes, ikaw na! Pa-experience, please!) you may coordinate directly with Sun Cruises for the tour packages and special arrangements.
Inside Sun Cruises vessel going to Corregidor Island.Lovely morning <3
ESPLANADE SEASIDE TERMINAL Sun Cruises Seaside Boulevard, SM MOA Complex
What to see in Corregidor Island?
Before we start, I just wanna say that I had so much admiration to the government bodies, third-party organizations, partners, and especially to the Corregidor Foundation, which has been in the works for several years already to protect the island, promote full restoration, and conserve the history and its contribution to the Philippines.
Upon arrival in Corregidor’s port, we were immediately welcomed by some refreshing drinks and this pretty tram!
Below are just some of the remnants of the past that can still be seen in Corregidor. I urge each and every one of you reading this to visit and explore Corregidor.
Where did the name ‘Malinta’ come from? ‘Malinta’ is derived from the word ‘leech’ because during the old times, Malinta Hills, is full of leeches or ‘linta’ in tagalog, hence, Ma-linta.
The Malinta Tunnel was built by the American soldiers for storage and bunker but was later equipped with 1000 hospital beds.
During the war, it was said that there were 2,000 Japanese soldiers who committed suicide when the US began bombing the tunnel resulting in the blockage of the entrance in 1945.
Back in the days, I have heard and read stories about the Malinta Tunnel so I know the place has a very tragic past. That’s why I was so nervous while entering the tunnel’s doors.
I can still remember the loud pound of my heart. Haha! This is during our day tour, by the way. Wait for our night lateral tour!
2. Corregidor Hospital Ruins
It was a creepy visit, honestly. The area was so quiet and I can only just imagine what had happened in the past – the bombings, the shouts and cries of the wounded soldiers, the doctors and nurses running..
Corregidor’s Hospital was shaped like a cross for the reason that in the event of a conflict, it will be spared. But apparently, the Japanese didn’t mind this cross-shaped hospital and was bombed all out.
On to this day, there are a number of creepy drawings and writings in the walls of the hospital. I really thought we were going to visit the hospital in the evening — good thing we didn’t. We were there from 5PM to 6PM, I guess.
After the hospital was totally devastated, they transferred to some of the laterals of the Malinta Tunnel, hence, the 1,000 hospital bed.
3. Middleside Barracks
Middle Side Barracks was built by the Americans in 1915 and was used as quarters of the 60th Coast Artillery anti-aircraft regiment, United States Regular Army, and the Philippines Scouts.
The Middle Side Barracks was bombed by the Japanese in the year 1941.
During my research about the middle side barracks, I found something interesting that was not mentioned in our tour. Check it here.
3. Filipino Hero Memorial (FHM)
One of the newest installations, this memorial is for the Filipino people who helped in the battle of Corregidor.
Located at the tail-end of the island, this site honors every soldier, leader, doctors, nurses who fought and died to protect the island of Corregidor during World War II.
4. Crater of a Dead Volcano
Unknown to many, Corregidor has a dead volcano. It was said that the four islands near Corregidor were formed due to the eruption of the volcano years ago.
5. The Filipino Woman Park
Near the Filipino Hero Memorial park is The Filipino Woman Park. This is a site symbolizing courage and bravery during the war.
6. Mile Long Barracks
7. Japanese Garden of Peace
As mentioned by our tour guide, in 1986, a group of Japanese gathered around 40 socks of bones in the area out of 4,000 Japanese soldiers who died in Corregidor.
The site was built to honor all soldier, may it be Americans, Filipinos, or Japanese, who died and fought in the island.
7. Pacific War Memorial and Museum
8. Battery Grubbs
Glad we ended our day here at the Battery Grubbs just so ready with the sunset.
9. Eternal Flame
We went here to experience the sun rise.
10. Battery Way
11. Japanese Tunnel
12. San Jose Chapel
Sample Corregidor 2-Day Tour Itinerary
Check-in at the terminal – 6:30AM
Boarding – 7:00AM
Estimated Time of Departure (Manila) – 7:30AM
Estimated Time of Arrival (Corregidor) – 9:00AM
Guided Tour – 9:10AM
Night lateral tour – 5:00PM
Morning tour – 6:00AM
Estimated Time of Departure (Corregidor) – 2:30PM
Estimated Time of Arrival (Manila) – 4:00PM
Tour Rates and Packages
Corregidor Historical Tram Tour
Adult
Child Rate (3-11y/o)
Weekday Rate
P3,358
P1,944
Weekend Rate
P3,629
P1,944
Inclusions – Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila) – Guided island tour – Shrine and Island entrance fees – Buffet lunch with drinks – Day tour kit
Corregidor Overnight Rate Package
Rate
Room Rate – Single
P5,250
Room Rate – Twin/Double
P7,500
Extra Bed
P3,500
Family Room (5 pax)
P15,000
Inclusions – Complimentary Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila) – Overnight Accommodation at Corregidor Inn – Shrine and Island entrance fees – Full board meals – Day tour kit
Corregidor Adventure Game (The Rock Challenge)
Rate per pax
Weekday/Weekend
P3,500
Note: Minimum 15 pax
Inclusions – Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila) – Corregidor adventure game – Shrine and Island entrance fees – Buffet lunch with drinks – Complimentary historical tour – Day tour kit
Corregidor Historical Walking Tour
Rate per pax
Weekday/Weekend
P2,100
Note: Minimum 5 pax
Inclusions – Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila) – Walking Tour – Shrine and Island entrance fees – Buffet lunch with drinks – Complimentary historical tour – Day tour kit
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Joining Tour – P650 per pax Outdoor Activities – P550 per pax (sunset and sunrise viewing, hospital tour, easy hike) Kayak – P500 per hour
Where to stay in Corregidor?
Corregidor Island has only one accommodation in the area – Corregidor Inn. This newly-renovated inn has 31 rooms good for couples, families, and barkada.
Inclusions – Complimentary Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila) – Overnight Accommodation at Corregidor Inn – Shrine and Island entrance fees – Full board meals – Day tour kit
We stayed in their twin room!
Corregidor Overnight Rate Packag
Rate
Room Rate – Single
P5,250
Room Rate – Twin/Double
P7,500
Extra Bed
P3,500
Family Room (5 pax)
P15,000
Where to eat in Corregidor?
Days before our scheduled trip to Corregidor, I browsed about the place and read that previous guests where not that happy with the food.
So, when we arrived at the place, I was surprised that their food tasted great! As in, promise. One of my highlights here were the food.
Corregidor Tour Packages
Chill
Thrill
Learn
Cheers
Chill Package
Corregidor Inn (Boutique Hotel)
Glamping
Swimming
Spa and massage
Sunset and Sunrise viewing
Movie by the beach with bonfire
The Rock Challenge (Adventure Race)
Exciting team building challenge of mental and physical tasks in exchange for clues hidden in several historical landmarks on Corregidor Island
Discover the more interesteing and mysterious side of Corregidor
Runs for about 2 to 3 hours depending on speed of play
Minimim of 10 players
Includes buffet or packed lunch
Thrill Package
The Rock Challenge (Adventure Race)
Island Pike XP (Picnic + Hike Experience)
Bike Corregidor
Nature Hike
Night Lateral Tunnel Tour
Army Post Hospital Tour
Camp Adventure
Rock Balancing
Kayaking
Learn
Historical Walking Tour
Historical Tram Tour
Photographer’s Package
Educational Trips
Hotel and Vessel Familiarization
Yoga Class
Cheers
Wedding Package
Pre-Nuptial Package
Birthday Package
Corporate events
Other Corregior Island Photos
Pia’s Thoughts
After this trip, every time friends and family ask me where should they travel next, I always tell them to never skip Corregidor. I don’t know if it’s only me but I left Corregidor with a heavy heart. I felt like I have had a deeper connection to the island.
Knowing its infamous history, being with the very buildings that were used before, being and knowing the people who are running Corregidor and making sure Corregidor won’t be forgotten made me love the place instantly.
My highlights for this trip, aside from the food (haha!), were the night lateral tour at the Manila Tunnel, fun night with the bloggers and Sun Cruise General Manager (learned so much from her!), and the hospital tour.
Culinary Tours or Food crawls are truly one of the best ways to explore a place. Not only you get to experience local dishes but, you’ll get to know more about their rich culture and heritage as well.
Last April 2019, I was fortunate to experience the beauty of CALABARZON and its delicious local dishes and delicacies. I’ve been to all areas of CALABARZON for mountain climbing, beach bumming, glampings, and staycations but I’ve never tried exploring their food.
But glad that I can now fully say that CALABARZON is indeed blessed with history, culture, people, and FOOD.
Together with the Department of Tourism Region IV (CALABARZON) and QuePATTA (Quezon Province Association of Travel and Tour Agencies), for two days, we ranged over the province, met lovely people (their passion for food is WOW!) and ate mouthwatering cuisines in CALABARZON.
Calabarzon, also spelled as CALABARZON, formally known as Southern Tagalog Mainland and designated as Region IV-A, is an administrative region in the Philippines. The region comprises five provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, and one highly urbanized city, Lucena. – Wikipedia
The region is situated south of the National Capital Region, and is bordered by the Manila Bay in the west, Lamon Bay and the Bicol Region in the east, the Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea in the south, and the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, and Metro Manila in the north. It is home to places like Mount Makiling near Los Baños, Laguna and the Taal Volcano in Talisay, Batangas.
TheCALABARZON Culinary Tour
This CALABARZON Culinary Tour is being offered by the QuePATTA (Quezon Province Association of Travel and Tour Agencies).
The organization, together with the DOT Region IV-A believes that CALABARZON is so much blessed with heirloom cuisines that should never be forgotten. Thus, the CALABARZON Culinary Tour was born.
Casa De Segunda | Ms. Tina at the background
The Two-Day Culinary Tour
This is actually my first time to experience a food crawl and I loved everything about it. Everything was well organized and the chosen restaurants speak so much about its own native land. Listed below is our itinerary for our CALABARZON Food Trip.
Quezon’s Best House Of Pasalubong And Restaurant – Tiaong, Quezon
Earthkeepers’ Garden And Restaurant – Tiaong, Quezon
Ouan’s The Farm Resort – Lucena, Quezon
DAY 2
Luisa and Daughter Restaurant – Lucena, Quezon
Quezon Capitol Building Lucena, Quezon | Sidetrip
Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan – Tayabas, Quezon
Air Summit Gourmet – Tayabas, Quezon | Sidetrip
Fisher’s Lake – Tayabas, Quezon | Sidetrip
Food Carving in Paete – Paete, Laguna | Sidetrip
Kape Kesada – Paete, Laguna
Balaw Balaw Restaurant – Angono, Rizal
Yes, friends. We went to all these restaurants! If you are interested to know more about our food tour, read on.
DAY 1 – Cavite – Batangas – Quezon
Day 1 was well spent. I guess it was clever to start in Silang, Cavite for the food tour since our last destination is in Angono, Rizal. Since we will start in Cavite, and I am from Cavite, I opted to go straight to our first destination. The entire day was full of fun and energy (hi, super hyper blogger friends!) PLUS food! Never been so full in my life. Haha!
As mentioned in my blog review of Asiongs, if you are looking for a chill place with huni ng mga ibon and Imelda Papin songs in the background, this is your abode.
Being a chill-probinsyana-turned-nagpapaka-busy-city girl, Asiong is something that I wanted to spend my weekend with.
This restaurant is secludedly located inside Silang’s lush greens. Upon entrance, you’ll already feel relaxed as this is not the typical modern designed restaurant.
What to Order at Asiong’s of Cavite?
We went here for breakfast and here’s some of the dishes we ate. Don’t forget about the Pancit Pusit, please! Also, if you happen to visit Asiongs, you may want to look for the very hands on owner, Mr. Sonny Lua. I don’t know, he’s like a magnet. He made me laugh so hard with his witty jokes. Hehe. You’ll love the history of Asiong’s as well. Check it out in my Asiong’s Caviteno Restaurant Review.
Personally, Asiong’s is something that I’ll visit again for my next Silang, Cavite adventure. Maybe I’ll plan to try their lunch or dinner together with my Mama during the cold season.
I thought we will be dining here for lunch pero nag side trip lang pala kami. Hehe.
Casa De Segunda in Lipa, Batangas is very rich in history as this casa was built in the year 1880. This 136-year-old house surpassed World War I and II already and is the only remaining old house in Lipa.
Our lunch for the first day was at the Don Juan Boodle House in Lipa City, Batangas. It’s just minutes from Case De Segunda. The other branch of Don Juan is located in Taal, Batangas.
Address: P. Torres Street corner G.A. Solis, 4217 Lipa, Batangas
Boodle fight! Of course, we tried their Southern Tagalog Boodle. It comprises the following:
Pork Binagoongan
Bistek Tagalog
Inihaw na Tambakol
Tortang Talong
Pork Ribs Kaldereta
Pork Sisig
Fresh fruit in season
Served with sliced tomatoes, onions, salted eggs, atsara
Steamed Rice
2. Taal Specialties
Tapang Taal
Adobo sa Dilaw
Ginataang Sitaw Kalabasa
Longganisang Taal
Sinaing na Tulingan
Fried Tawilis
Inihaw na baboy
Fresh fruit in season
Served with sliced tomatoes, onions, salted eggs, atsara
Steamed Rice
I am not a fan of tapa but Tapang Taal of Don Juan is surprisingly delicious! Plus, love their Tawilis!
Their ambiance is so Batangueno as well. Love that their servers wear baro’t saya.
4. Quezon’s Best House Of Pasalubong And Restaurant
Location: Tiaong, Quezon
After a hearty lunch at Don Juan’s Boodle House, we immediately headed to Quezon’s Best – the popular pasalubong and restaurant in Tiaong.
Address: Tiaong By Pass Rd, Tiaong, Quezon
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
What I love about Quezon’s best is they make sure that what they’re offering is of high value just like the below photo of their Organic Coconut Ainos which they are exporting!
We also stopped by for a quick merienda. Love their Halo halo and especially the puto! If you’ve already tried Lemon’s Square, mas masarap pa ito. Promise!
The mas-masarap-pa-sa-lemon-square puto!
Here’s their pasalubong station!
5. Earthkeepers’ Garden And Restaurant
Location: Tiaong, Quezon
After a quick merienda at Quezon’s Best, we went straight to Earthkeeper’s also situated in Tiaong, Quezon. I think we only spent around 5 minutes to go to the place.
I love how nature welcomed us here. Everywhere I see, plants and trees are present. Earthkeepers indeed!
What to order at Earthkeeper’s Garden Restaurant?
What’s good about Earthkeepers is they are serving food in glass bottles/jars and banana leaves. Earthkeeper’s served us another surprising merienda.
We ate Sinulbot, a pre-kalamay merienda which is a rice cake, by the way. It’s sauce is made of coconut milk with brown sugar. With Sinulbot, we were served cold Buko Juice straight from the backyard of Earthkeepers!
Sinulbot – pre-kalamay meriendaCoconut trees in their backyard
5. Ouan’s The Farm Resort
Location: Lucena, Quezon
After a day full of activities and food, we were welcomed by one of the most popular resorts in Quezon, the Ouan’s The Farm Resort.
What I love about this resort is it is surrounded by trees. This family resort was also the venue for our candlelight dinner and Tagayan night, a special ceremony for VVIP as per QuePATTA’s Officer, Ms. Tina Tagala.
We are also humbled to know their family history through Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento II’s museum. Glad and inspired to hear their very story from the retired general himself. I guess his love for his family and wife is the reason for all his successes in life.
Retired General Recaredo A. Sarmiento – I love their family story!
Day 2 | Quezon – Laguna – Rizal
Day 2 is actually more full blast than our first day. We started with Quezon ending in Angono, Rizal. We also had side trips to different places to go while in Quezon and Laguna.
1. Grandma’s Kitchen – Ouan’s The Farm Resort
Location: Lucena
Our Day 2 started with a heavy breakfast from the quaint and lovely restaurant of Ouan’s Resort called Grandma’s Kitchen.
It is situated beside the resort’s swimming pools so you can already feel refreshed while watching friends and families enjoying the pool.
What to Order at Ouan’s The Farm Resort?
For breakfast, we had Malunggay Omellete, Tinapa, Quezon Longganisa, fried rice and lots of tomatoes. I also wanna note their coffee as I can compare it that of Banaue!
2. Luisa and Daughter Restaurant
Location: Lucena, Quezon
After bidding goodbye to Ouan’s Resort, which had been an instant favorite, we went straight to Luisa and Daughter Restaurant.
Luisa and Daughter Restaurant is a humble family-run restaurant in Quezon.
Address: Km. 101, Tiaong, 4325 Quezon
Phone Number: (042) 545 7112
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Here we were taught how to make Pancit Chami which can be regular or hot and spicy. Of course, I love how tasteful the spicy one is. It’s also a bit more salty and more saucy.
What to order at Luisa and Daughter Restaurant?
Pancit Chami is best paired with turon! And don’t forget to put on some calamansi for a more appetizing Pancit Chami!
After a quick side trip to Quezon’s Capitol, we went straight to the popular Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas, Quezon for our lunch.
It was actually surreal to me because I have been reading this only before and finally, I get to explore and experience this restaurant with a man-made pond. The pond has over 60 floating kubo.
What to order at Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan?
After being served with grilled liempo (my favorite, of course!), grilled tilapia, and ginataang suso with pako, we were serenaded by this group of handsome Titos! I love them singing the hits today like ‘Buwan’ of Juan Carlos among others.
And of course, Buko Juice in Quezon!Grilled Liempo – my fave!
Never thought I’ll get back to Kape Kesada after three years, I guess? This quaint coffee shop / art gallery situated at the heart of Paete, Laguna is just minutes away from the Paete church, Municipal Hall, and as far as I remembered, it is also near the wood carvers of Paete.
What to Order at Kape Kesada
Here we ate Kalamay (we call this Biko in Masbate), Minani (cubed cassava fried in garlic and salt ) and Laksa. Laksa, vegetables in coconut milk, is best paired with biko. It was a surprise at first but when I got to try it, it really blended well with the biko!
I think I ate around 10 pieces of biko that I forgot to take a picture! Haha!
Laksa | vegetables with coconut milkMinani – cassava cubes/cutlets cooked like peanuts Photo by: Aaron Nomo
7. Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
Location: Angono, Rizal
Address: Doña Justa Street, Angono, 1930 Lalawigan ng Rizal
It was around 8PM when we arrived at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant in Angono, Rizal. Here I was surprised that Balaw-Balaw is actually an art gallery as well.
The interior of the restaurant is pretty quaint and I feel that the place together with its paintings and stuff tells a number of different stories. I would love to explore more and ask about the gallery next time I visit the place.
What to order at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant?
Balaw-Balaw is not your ordinary restaurant. Aside from the exotic food choices, Balaw-Balaw is also housing paintings, sculptures, among others.
For the food, I suggest you try their best seller, Minaluto. Minaluto is actually like paella with seafood, fried chicken at pork. You can also choose from their yellow (turmeric) or black (with tinta ng pusit) rice.
I was actually surprised by their food servings here:
Nilasing na hipon – this dish is made of shrimps marinated in alcohol, coated and then deep fried until golden.
Vegetable salads
Lauya – beef soup
Binalot na itik sa pita – native duck wrapped in pita bread
Minaluto – this is actually like the usual Paella. You may order the yellow rice (turmeric) or the black one (squid rice).
If given another time to visit Angono, I will definitely try again Balaw-Balaw Restaurant because I feel like I haven’t fully checked out the place when we were there.
CALABARZON Foodtrip Side trips
While going around on your food tour, here are some side trips that you may want to check out.
1. Food Carving in Paete
Location: Paete, Laguna
One good stop we had was the food carving in Paete, Laguna by Ernesto Sena (ship and flowers in vase) and Nomiric Baisas (flowers and eagle). Love that I actually got to experience actual food carving here in Paete!
2. Quezon Provincial Capitol
Location: Tayabas, Quezon
This century-old building in Tayabas is considered a national treasure. Its breathtaking Neoclassical Art-Deco style was designed by Architect Juan Arellano and is serving as an alarm clock for its people. Here, a familiar siren is being heard three times a day – at 7 in the morning, 12 noon and 5 in the afternoon.
Air Summit Gourmet is a sister-restaurant of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. It is an airplane-turned-restaurant still in Tayabas, Quezon, minutes away from Kamayan sa Palaisdaan.
I love how they have their own ‘immigration office’ where guests can ‘check-in’ before going up the plane. We were glad to be assisted by the owners of Kamayan to explore Air Summit. Wish we can go back and really experience dining here!
4. Fishers Lake
Location: Tayabas, Quezon
Address: Lucban – Tayabas Rd, Tayabas, Quezon
Phone Number: (042)793-3654/55 0918.951.0460 or 0917.556.2642
Another sister restaurant of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, Fisher’s Lake boasts an upscale-ish Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. One unique experience you will get is, since the tables soaked in the water, you’ll get to experience to eat with fishes on your feet. Free foot massage, everyone!
Pia’s Thoughts
Looking back to our two-day super foodie tour, which I thought was not possible by the way, I was glad that it was properly and strategically organized as I have never felt the hassle of touring around for days. Imagine going around CALABARZON in just two days?
With this, I highly suggest you contact Ms. Tina Tagala if you are interested to join a Culinary Tour around CALABARZON.
We would also like to express our appreciation to Stella Salvacion (My Journey Travel and Tours President), Nino Magararo (Rainsummer Travel and Tours Vice-President), Maria Luisa Villabroza (Myles Travel and Tours), and Marilyn Mendiola (Sunburst Travel and Tours Treasurer).
My warmest thanks to the Department of Tourism CALABARZON and QUEPATTA for showing us how beautiful and wonderful CALABARZON is!
Check out our CALABARZON Culinary Tour Travel Series:
Asiong Caviteño Restaurant, secludedly situated in Silang, Cavite is known for its palatable Caviteno dishes, relaxing ambiance, and serene environment covered with lush greens.
Established in 1960 in Cavite City, Asiong actually started as a sari-sari store and eventually developed into a hole-in-the-wall karinderia.
Going back to the early generation of the Lua Family, they started literally in ashes as their home was destroyed by fire in 1960. However, because of the determination of their parents and grandmother, they opened a carenderia for their neighbors serving home-cooked meals for them until it became a tradition for every Caviteno family to dine at Asiong’s Carenderia.
Unfortunately, the perennial flooding made them move out from the original site in Cavite City. Thus, Asiong of Silang, Cavite was born.
To cut the long story short, Asiong grew beautifully to what it is now, still holding to the traditional Caviteno food by their family.
So glad to know that Asiong features local heirloom dishes which have been with them for over three generations already!
Now, Asiong Caviteno Restaurant is fully managed by Sonny Lua, the youngest son of the founder of Asiong.
Glad to have met him in person!
Whenever you go south, we encourage you to drop by at Asiong for a taste of original Caviteno heirloom cuisine.
Plus, don’t forget to say Hi to Sonny Lua, the owner of Asiong, as this witty and passionate owner will never leave you without smiling with his witty jokes. 🙂
I can still remember how happy I was when I arrived at Asiong in Silang, Cavite. The more-than-an-hour commute from Imus was worth it!
Looking at the greens, the trees, the plants, always make me feel alive and peaceful. A much-needed break from the noise of the metro indeed.
Upon arrival, I can already see plants all over the place.
After taking some photos of the Asiong’s interior, I proceeded to their Al Fresco area.
‘Indeed, this is my happy place.’, I said to myself smiling.
So if you are in the lookout of something that soothes your soul, I suggest you visit this place.
What to Eat at Asiong Caviteno Restaurant?
Asiong was our first stop for the two-day CALABARZON Culinary Tour by DOT Region IVA and QUEPATTA.
Being a probinsyana-turned-city-girl, I always have this feeling of wanting to go back to any province that would somehow relieve the stress that the city is giving me every day. And Asiong is indeed a sight to behold, a venue for people who wants to relax their mind and eat organic food.
For as low as P800 for two, you will already enjoy your food trip at Asiong’s of Silang.
Asiong’s Al Fresco Area. Love it here! Super chill lang.
We ate here at the Al Fresco area of Asiong with lots of plants surrounding us. I love that every area is instagrammable as well!
It’s a bit hot though, because, hello, summer. I wonder what it feels to dine here in cold weather?
Anyway, here’s what we ordered for breakfast. Hope we can come back for lunch or dinner!
1. Carioca Breakfast Meal
Price: P260
I got surprised when I heard that the name of this dish is Carioca. Because Carioca in our place is a merienda, right? Haha!
But this one is made of ground pork, carrots, and egg. At nung kinain ko na, manamis-namis and maalat – perfect combination for me!
The meal also came with garlic rice, cucumbers, fried banana, and sunny-side up egg. I also love the way they cooked the egg. Medyo sunog yung paligid. Hihi.
2. Asiong’s Pahimis Coffee
Price: P80
The Pahimis Blend is a combination of four varieties of coffee beans, namely excelsa, arabica, robusta, and liberica (barako).
The blend is a fine brew with a calming taste and relaxing aroma. The definitive blend of Amadeo, Pahimis Blend paved way to the town’s Pahimis Coffee Festival, celebrated every February 13. – Sourced from explora.ph
I so love their takuli (teakettle)! Super instagrammable.
3. Pan de Troso with Quesillo Dip
Price: P160
This 1950’s inspired pandesal is made with a hint of rosemary and garlic and best paired with Quesillo dip. Quesillio dip is made with kesong putiin olive oil and herbs. Yum!
4. Asiong’s Original Pancit Pusit
Price: P380
Pancit Pusit is actually a Caviteño noodle dish very similar to the famous pancit bihon or sotanghon.
We were fortunate to witness how Sonny Lua (Asiong’s owner) demonstrated the cooking of the original Pancit Pusit.
After a couple of minutes, ta-daaaah! Here’s Asiong’s Original Pancit Pusit. It’s actually just like the usual Miki Bihon pero kasama ang tinta ng pusit sa pagluluto.
It’s surprisingly delicious! Never thought that it would complement the usual Pancit Bihon.
5. Silang’s Sapin-Sapin
Price: P250
This rice cake or Sapin-Sapin is not just pretty in picture and in person, but is also tasty, soft, and delicious that you’ll want another slice!
Asiong Caviteno Restaurant Menu
If you’re wondering what are they serving and its prices, here’s their menu. Personally, I think the price points are fair enough. You’ll never leave unsatisfied.
How to get to Asiong Caviteno Restaurant in Silang, Cavite
Address:
Buenavista Street, BucalSilang, Cavite
Via Public Transportation
1. If you are coming from Manila, take a transit bus going to Tagaytay.
Commuting to Asiong’s is actually very simple! There are several buses going to Tagaytay from EDSA that you can just hop in. In my case, I took the bus along Aguinaldo highway since I am from Imus Cavite and paid only P60.
It think if you will be coming from EDSA, fare is around P120.
2. Inform Kuya Kundoktor to drop you off Gov. Camerino Drive just before Phoenix gasoline station.
I highly suggest as well to use google maps so you’re sure where to go down.
3. Cross to the other side of the road and ride the tricycle to Asiong.
Good thing that there are tricycles are present in the area. Fare is P45 per ride.
Where to Stay in Silang, Cavite?
Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Silang, Cavite! For more Silang and Cavite hotels, check this link.
Built in 2015, Marcopolo Garden is a distinct addition to Tagaytay and a smart choice for travelers. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
Room Rates start at P5,355 (But Agoda is selling it at P1,111)
When visiting Tagaytay, you’ll feel right at home at ZEN Home Monteluce Tagaytay as it offers quality accommodation and great service. The property is just away from the city center, and it normally takes about minutes to reach the airport. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
Located in the Silang area, Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Cavite. From here, guests can make the most of all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
I promise to go back here with my Mama, maybe during the cold season. I think the cold weather will perfectly blend the sipping of hot coffee with the 1960s to 1980s songs in the background. Hihi.
Asiong Caviteno Restaurant in Silang, Cavite should be on top of your list if you are into makabayan style of cooking and if you want a taste of the old laidback life in the province.
Can’t wait to go back.
Check out our CALABARZON Culinary Tour Travel Series:
