Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. While we are vegetarians and we don't really like promoting "fishing" or any type of "animal killing" activities, we have to give it to the owners of this fish cage - they do catch small fish and farm it in their "huge" aquarium. When their fish give birth, their fry can actually get out of the "aquarium nets" and out to "the real world" since their holes are big. So, we give a thumbs up to this give and take process.

2. If you're wondering how it feels to live in the middle of the sea (literally), you can try spending a night or two here and then swim with the fish in the large aquarium when the weather gets too hot.

FEES:
P5.00 entrance fee
P100 1/4 kilo of danggit (small fish that is salted and dried)
P200/ kilo (when you fish yourself - no matter what kind)
P20/ kilo/ style of cooking
NOTE:There are a few rooms available if you want to stay for the night. Rooms may be rented for P250.00 for up to 4 people.

DESCRIPTION:

Sibadan means "eating place" and "fish" thus the name of this house slash huge aquarium in the middle of the sea. Just a few minutes from Enchanted River, Sibadan Fish Cage is a popular stopover for visitors in the area. Situated in the middle of the sea, pumpboats are hired to reach this place where you can catch, cook and eat fresh seafood. Several kinds of fish (all sizes) and other seafood (like crabs and lobsters) are found here. You may opt to buy fresh fish and have it cooked or you can try fishing yourself for P200/ kilo. Sibadan also offers rooms for those who would like to stay for the night. Swimming is allowed in the "aquarium" and two pawikans (sea turtles) are inside the net not for food but as "pets" (though we think they should really be out there in the wild since they're endangered species).

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila, fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) and find your way (via jeep, bus or private van) to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. If you're taking public transportation, ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal and from there, get a habal-habal (motorcycle, P35.00/head/one way) to go to Enchanted River. From Enchanted River, ride a pumpboat (P160/ hour per boat) going to Sibadan Fish Cage. CONTACTS:
Mercy and Edel Barrios (owners) - +63926 3401695

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Ocean View Restaurant & Park - Bislig, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Purok 6, Barangay Cumawas, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

It offers very affordable food and a beautiful view of Barangay Mangahoy, Surigao del Sur.

PRICE RANGE: Rice Meals range from P80-P100, Burgers with Drink range from P45-65

NOTE: You have to climb 200 ++ steps to get here, or you can drive your 4x4 vehicle all the way up.

DESCRIPTION:

Ocean View Restaurant & Park is owned by Mr. Wener and Mrs. Ruelaine Willimann, a couple who resides in Zurich, Switzerland. It is Arnold, Mrs. Ruelaine's brother, who manages the places and works as a chef, too. To get to this restaurant, one must climb 200 ++ small steps. Rest assured however, that the view is wonderful and the food is good. Their specialty is fish burger (we did not try it because we're vegetarians but our non-vegetarian friend said it's really good). Once on top, one can get a view of Barangay Mangahoy and as Arnold coined it, Chocolate Beach. According to Arnold, hawks may also be seen roaming around the area at around 11:00 am everyday.

The food is very affordable. For less than P50, you already have a burger and a drink. And for less than P100, you already have a rice meal.

PS: The money they collect from the Entrance Fee is used to help the children in Surigao del Sur. :)

OPERATING HOURS:
Tuesdays to Saturdays - 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sundays - 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mondays - closed

(just call to double check their operating hours.)

ENTRANCE FEE (for the view park only)
Adult - P20.00
Youth - P12.00
Child - P5.00
Kindergarten - FREE

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Manila. From Butuan, ride a bus (BACHELOR) going to Bislig-Mangahoy. You will pass by this place so you just have to go down when you see the Ocean View banners (see pictures below).



CONTACTS:
For inquires, you can call Arnold. Below are his mother's (Mrs. Geraldine Mundala) numbers so just look for Arnold when you call.
+63910 3212568
+63 86 8534061

Meet Arnold Mundala, the chef/ overall manager of Ocean View Restaurant and Park. When he's not busy attending to visitors and foodies, he saves the environment through his art skills. Instead of throwing used paper, toothpaste packaging, razor and every little thing we often call "trash", he collects them and uses his hands to turn them into amazing artworks. Above are some of the miniature buildings he created from 100% trash. He plans to put all of them in a glass panel and put them on display in the restaurant. Kudos to you, Arnold. We are so proud of you. :)

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Margie's Kitchen - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: Sentro Building, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 10, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is the ultimate "hang out" place in Butuan City!
2. They serve delicious cakes!
3. They offer free WiFi. :)

PRICE RANGE:
Food - from P45-P170 per order
Dessert - from P40-P95 per piece
Beverage (water, juice, tea, soda, shake) - from P20-P110
Coffee - from 65-P85
For a complete list of the menu, click this.

MUST TRY: Fruit Shakes (esp Mango), Cookie Monster Cake, Nelusco Cake

DESCRIPTION:
Margie's Kitchen is a bakeshop in the heart of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Owned by Mrs. Margie Calo and her two children Macky and Concon, this establishment has already branched out to Davao City and has two branches in Butuan. It offers high quality cakes and pastry products at an affordable price.

With its tagline "Life is unsure, eat your dessert first!", Margie's Kitchen has definitely tapped foodies and dessert lovers. With over 20 years of experience in baking, Mrs. Calo's homemade goodies have become famous all over the city and a popular "pasalubong" from Butuan, too. Moreover, the people of Butuan have fallen in love with Margie's artsy slash coffee shop vibe (with free WiFi, too) so much that this is where they meet up to chat or to show a visitor around. Open until 2:00 am on weekends, this place has definitely become "the place to be" in Butuan.

HOW TO GET THERE:
It's just along J.C. Aquino Avenue (Butuan City) so you can walk going here if your hotel is already in J.C. Aquino or you can ride a jeepney (P7.00/ head/ one way) and go down here. Tricycles are not allowed along J.C. Aquino Avenue.

To go to the other branch, you can take a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) to Marcos Calo Street and go down at Margie's Kitchen.

You can fly to Butuan from Manila.

CONTACTS:
SENTRO Building, J.C. Aquino Ave - +63 85 3421980
Marcos Calo Street - +63 85 3415046

HELPFUL LINKS: http://margieskitchen.wordpress.com/about-us/ or you can like Margie's Bakeshop on Facebook.

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Dilla's Vegetarian Restaurant - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: Gomez corner Marcos Calo Street, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 10, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It serves YUMMY vegetarian food that even non-vegetarians will surely enjoy!
2. They serve healthy and affordable food.

PRICES:
P50 for a meal (rice, 2 viands and 1 carrot juice)
P6/ piece of lumpia
P20/ piece of veggie cake (squash & carrot)

OPERATING HOURS:
Mondays-Thursdays: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
Fridays: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturdays - CLOSED
Sundays - open during lunchtime


DESCRIPTION:

This vegetarian restaurant is run by a Seventh Day Adventist couple. Mr. Dilla is a doctor and his clinic is inside this establishment. Mrs. Dilla (Susan) on the other hand, is hands-on in this restaurant. She cooks the food (very yummy!) by herself and makes the veggie meat by herself, too! For only P50.00, you already have a very filling meal with carrot juice.

This restaurant is closed on Saturdays as it is their Church day.

HOW TO GET THERE:
If you're already in Butuan, ride a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) and ask to be dropped off at Marcos Calo Street corner Gomez Street.

CONTACTS:
susan Dilla (owner) - +63921 8137315

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Enigmata Treehouse, Camiguin Island

WHERE: Enigmata Treehouse, Maubog, Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin Island 9100
DATE OF TRAVEL: October 16-17, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. It is an environmental friendly accommodation! Because of its advocacy to make life productive with doable ecological solutions and to make everything beautiful and useful, this treehouse is not only a place to stay, but a place that has ART and HEART written all over it!:)
2. Staying here makes you feel at one with nature and it inspires you to come up with your own creative thoughts.
3. It makes you feel very much "at home". There are numerous CDs (ethnic music collection for the win!) and books you can borrow while you laze around in their hammocks or banigs (woven mats).
4. They serve GOOD FOOD!

FEES:
P950 for two per night (Eagle Nest Suite and Shell Garden Suite)
P200 additional person for the suites
P500 for two per night (Backpacker's Dorm)
P250 extra person for Backpacker's Dorm
P400 for two for Bartender's Dorm
P200 extra person for Bartender's Dorm

NOTE:
Since this is an ecolodge, do not expect airconditioning anywhere here. Trust us, you won't be needing it!:P

DESCRIPTION:

Enigmata Treehouse is located atop the mountains of Camiguin. It is an ecolodge for travellers, artists and environmentalists. It is also an art camp and resource center and it even has a house artist! Using recycled materials and donated books, Enigmata continuously creates a magical space that surely enchants everyone. Sculptures, paintings and other art projects decorate the whole place that one couldn't help but feel the artsy feel that it imbibes. Even the smallest things are very detailed and obviously a work of both art and heart.

This is how Enigmata artists describe their place:

Art Camp Ecolodge… A Social Enterprise

Enigmata Treehouse Ecolodge is naturally ventilated, aircon is of no use. Water is fresh from the mountain spring which refills water tanks by gravity. Waste is strictly segregated and recycled. The house is an ARTchitecture in itself which has its own pillars to avoid stress on the Acacia or rain tree which breathes through right at the center of the canopy.

Enigmata Creative Circle, Inc. is a voluntary collective of multi-disciplinary artists and service family which started the initiative on eco-peace biodiversity art education through popular media in the island grassroots community.

Enigmata as a social enterprise maintains a low-impact eco-friendly treehouse ecolodge cum training venue to help in the sustainability of the projects in Camiguin. We encourage minimal use of electricity and water. We invite our guests to adhere to principles of responsible tourism and experience our community as a living culture.

We prefer to be micro, organic and personalize service with low-impact on environment. Waste management is the biggest concern in the island.

We are starting with an initiative of carbon tax campaign to local and foreign travelers (to off set their energy consumptions) to raise funds for the schools in planting more trees. Look for the donation box in the community area.

Recycle and segregate.

Respect the smoke-free camp, cigarette buts thrown on the ground is subject to fines.

Bucket bath is always economical water-saver. Enjoy our herbal baths.

Use the stairs for there are no other options unless you are born a ninja.

Enjoy the blackouts and quiet (free from karaoke)

Drinking and bathing in mineral water is for free.

Watch the stars outside or find your way to the labyrinth.

Dry clothes in the sun, or you have the option not to wear any in private.

Keep the fresh green diet, it conserves a lot of energy.

Walk if you can… enjoy the island walk without stop lights…

Diving is dangerous, pool has no water, no need for it. The pool is deliberately deserted under reconstruction to conserve spring water and electricity. The pool needs four hours purification with silver ionizer which needs repair. So we decided to use the pool as outdoor swing garden and water garden in the future. Swim in the nearest beach or spring.

Home grown organic policy:

There are no useless things, only useless minds… (Kuya Ed)

Creative re-use, segragation and recycling is the code of ethics for creative enterprise…

The fifth year project in partnership with the Department of Education is an offshoot of environmental education Earth Camps held every year for the children and youth and mostly women teachers. Its on-going project is GAME for Children (Grassroots Advancing Multi-media Eco-education) sponsored by Arts Network Asia, Singapore which focuses on creative community enterprise as voice of children, production of Kinamiguin Children’s Biodiversity Pictionary and environmental animation plugs made by Camiguin Children. “Islakwatsa” New Media Playground for Children is co-sponsored by National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippines.

Enigmata organized pioneering works such as contemporary theater road show in schools as a story telling strategy on biodiversity conservation, conducts Earth Camps, short film and slides production, biodiversity concerts, and other creative workshops. The latest experiments include functional installation art using recycled materials such as bottle glass walls mosaic, wall tapestry, and contemporary okkil art revival in product development for local creative enterprise, use “super bayong” campaign for “plastic-free Camiguin,”.

In culture and the arts, Enigmata coordinated “Tell me a story Mr. Cloud Project” a short film production sponsored by Patrimoine Sans Frontieres, Paris, France with the help of our collaborator film maker Soni Kum. Enigmata served as overall facilitator/organizer on its second year “Pathways to Peace” and “Peace Fair Travel” in partnership with Ghandi Peace School, South Korea. It is also its second year as implementor in the province of the “Ani Ng Sining; Philippines Arts Festival 2007-2008 as Feabruary Arts Month Celebration.

Enigmata initiated pioneering cultural events. In partnership with local schools, Enigmata organized eco-cultural tours for ecotourism students ecotourguiding practicum, green forum, cultural shows, eco workshops for ecotourism frontliners.

HOW TO GET THERE:
1. Fly to Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), Misamis Oriental (Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express and Cebu Pacific fly to CDO) before 7:30 am if you want to commute.
2. From CDO, take a jeep or taxi to the CDO pier. You can also rent a car. (about an hour)
3. Take 8:30 am fast craft Paras Sea Cat daily trip from CDO to Camiguin (two hours).
4. When you land, hire a jeep for a day (around P1,400) or take any public jeep going to Mambajao town and get off at Maubog bridge junction with Enigman sculpture as landmark. Walk around 500 meters to the ecolodge.

For other ways to get to Enigmata, click here.

CONTACTS: +6388 3870273/ +63918 2304148/ enigmatatreehouse@gmail.com

HELPFUL LINKS: http://camiguinecolodge.com/

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Being the water lovers that we are, we had a hard time deciding whether we should stay at this treehouse or not because of course, that would mean we would be so far away from the sound of water. But the name ENIGMATA TREEHOUSE coupled with a few pictures on the internet got us excited to check out the place for ourselves.

We decided to stay in Camiguin for three days and stay at two accommodations. We stayed here for the first night and rented a jeepney for P1,400 to take us around Camiguin and bring us back here (since this is located in area that is not directly accessible by jeep).

It's a good thing we decided to push through with this plan because Enigmata Treehouse was really a charming place and a destination on its own. It's a haven for art lovers and just plain travellers like us! The rooms were so pretty and everything was decorated in detail. Even their bathrooms were very artsy! If you're environmental friendly, you would be pleased with how creative this place is and how environmental-friendly they really are. No aircons because they're not needed, and everything is recyclable or recycled!

They have vegetarian food, too! We especially loved the pizza and the oatmeal with fruits we had for breakfast! At night, after eating downstairs and browsing through their numerous books, we borrowed CDs of Joey Ayala and played his songs all throughout the night. We actually appreciated him more during this trip because his songs really fit the concept and the feel of Enigmata!

The next morning, we woke up feeling refreshed and energized. We loved the feeling of being inside a kulambo (mosquito net)! We thought it was so Filipino! Before checking out, we went around the whole place and took pictures. Please do not forget to check out the whole place before leaving.

Looking at these pictures again make us want to go back (like, right now!). Enigmata does that to you -- you get a heavy feeling when you're about to leave, and you get so excited about the idea of going back there again.

Enigmata, we shall see each other again!

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Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte, Laoag City

WHERE: Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte, J.P. Rizal Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 22-23, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is a favorite hangout of the locals!
2. Ilocano's famous food, EMPANADA (deep fried meat pie that can be "vegetarian") among many others, is available here!
FEES: less than P30 for an Empanada

DESCRIPTION:
Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte is a food court in Laoag City that houses the different Ilocano food as well as souvenirs like abel iloko (woven cloth), pottery, rattan, metal craft, garlic, cornik and more!

ADDRESS: JP Rizal Street, Laoag City (near Museo Iloko and the Ilocos Provincial Capitol)

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Cliffhouse, Tagaytay

WHERE: Tagaytay City, Cavite

DATE OF TRAVEL: April 10, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
Because you’re not forced to eat in just one restaurant to have a grand view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Cliff House has many restaurants to choose from and offers an undisrupted view of Taal Lake and Volcano right in the middle of the complex.

NOTE:
Make sure you have your parking ticket validated by your restaurant of choice because if not, you will be charged P100 just for parking fee! This is good in a way because there’s not a lot of people crowding in the middle for endless photo-ops with the Taal Lake and Volcano.




DESCRIPTION:
Cliffhouse is a complex right in the middle of the main road of Tagaytay City. Its architecture is somewhat American in style and it offers a great view of Taal Lake and Volcano. If you want to chill out and enjoy the Tagaytay weather while you eat and drink, then Cliffhouse is the right place for you. There are many restaurants inside this complex though none of them are cheap. However, there are pastry shops and ice cream parlors. Some of the restaurants we know of are Buon Giorno, Cafe Breton, Fire Lake Grill and Domicillo.

HOW TO GOT THERE:
It's just along the main road of Tagaytay. So from Manila, we just passed through SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and exited at Sta. Rosa then went straight until the fake public market. After that, we turned right on the main road of Tagaytay and saw Cliffhouse on the left side.

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Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay

WHERE: Tagaytay, Cavite

DATE OF TRAVEL: April 9, 2007

WHAT VEGETARIAN MEAL TO ORDER:
Their lunch or dinner meals are already set and served in sit down style. The rate is P610 per head, eat all you can. Meal starts from Green Salad and Bread then Pasta and Dessert. Bottomless Dalandan (local orange) Juice is also served. Most of the food served are vegetarian but there are some sauces or dips that may include anchovies, chicken cream and salmon belly so just ask the waiter for the details before eating.

PRICE:
P610 per head per Lunch/Dinner set. They also serve breakfast but it’s not so vegetarian-friendly. Price is P427 per head per breakfast meal.





DESCRIPTION:
Once a private haven, Sonya decided to open her garden to the public in 1998 in time for Valentine’s Day. It is a huge garden tucked in the rolling hills of Tagaytay that serves great food (fresh from her garden!!), a spa and a bed and breakfast facility. All the cottages are unique in style and will make you feel like you’re really on a vacation in the middle of nowhere with only the sound of crickets to accompany you at night. This makes a romantic getaway for lovers, a lovely place for bonding with family and friends, and a perfect retreat for those who are longing for that much needed alone time.



COMMENT:
Their food is great and the overall ambience is lovely but it’s not a place where you can eat all the time. Aside from the fact that it’s quite expensive, they do not change their menu.






HOW TO GET THERE:
1. From South Super Highway, exit Sta. Rosa.
2. Take right going to Tagaytay.
3. Upon reaching main Aguinaldo Highway, turn right towards Nasugbu, Batangas.
4. Go past rotonda proceed 10 kms.
5. After Splendido Golf Course and Sunrise Hill make a right turn on Buck Estate.
6. Drive 2 kms. Left gate.

CONTACTS:
Text: +63917 5329097/ +63917 5335140
Email: info@sonyasgarden.com
Check their website: http://www.sonyasgarden.com

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Breakfast at Antonio's, Tagaytay

WHERE: Tagaytay, Cavite

DATE OF TRAVEL: April 9, 2007

WHAT VEGETARIAN FOOD TO ORDER: Oatmeal, Vegetarian Fritatas, Fruit Shakes

PRICE RANGE: P140 to P500 per meal

NOTE:
The pictures here are pictures of the old Breakfast at Antonio’s. It is now in the same location as Antonio's Fine Dining Restaurant. For inquiries and reservations, you may call (+63918)8992866.



DESCRIPTION:
Breakfast at Antonio’s is an all-day breakfast restaurant in Tagaytay that mainly serves American Breakfast dishes. It used to be located in Bagong Tubig, Tagaytay apart from Antonio’s Restaurant (the fine dining version) but the two have recently shared space and are both located at the original location of Antonio’s Restaurant in Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City.




COMMENT:
While it is not a purely vegetarian restaurant, you may order a few vegetarian meals from their menu. We especially liked their oatmeal and fruit shakes. The prices are a bit expensive but the overall ambience (then American Colonial style and now family rest house) and the lovely Tagaytay weather make up for the price.

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