Our recent Bali trip introduced us to an area there called Ubud, an artist village that is a foodie haven as well.  This Holy Week, I didn’t have to travel that far to get both hunger for artistry and gastronomic finds filled.  At the heart of Tiaong, Quezon, Ugu Bigyan sends me to another memorable journey.

 

It’s Maundy Thursday.  We set out for San Pablo, Laguna at 8AM.  It’s been a while since we traveled South on a holiday.  I’m not really big on traveling southbound since they started that road construction that’s been ongoing for years.  It’s good to know that all lanes are now passable in SLEX.  Nevertheless, we didn’t escape the heavy holiday traffic. 

 

 

I was quite excited to finally visit Ugu Bigyan.  I remember in 2007, I called and inquired about getting a reservation for four because I was planning a weekend trip with Chai and her Mr. Big then.  That didn’t push through but never did Ugu Bigyan leave my mind as one of the places I want to go to.  I read somewhere about their delicious Filipino dishes –like Kulawo, Lato Salad, Sinigang na Baboy, Adobong Chicken and Pork, Grilled Tilapia and mussels with vegetables.  I’d imagine that Sinagang na Baboy to be really sour, a bit creamy/milky (from the gabi or taro) and oily from the pork fats –just how I would make it if I knew how to cook it myself.

 

 

It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to Tiaong, Quezon.  The plan was to drop by Tahanan ni Aling Meding first and check in, but decided to go straight to Ugu Bigyan.  It is 12:30pm after all, time for lunch.  That long drive is not the best way to start anybody’s morning.  It made us feel so tired and prickly.

 

The car entered the red clay house one won’t fail to spot on the left side of the street.  As soon as the car got parked, limbs stretched out to the open sky.  Walking inside, our fatigue seems to have abandoned us and stayed with the car. 

 

Augusto “Ugo” Bigyan, is a celebrated pottery artist who opens the door of his house-cum-workshop to the rest of us looking for a relaxed getaway with a bit of ceramic artistry. 

 

My Photo with Ugu

 

Stepping into the world of Ugu is like stepping into an old world.  Earthy.  Unpretentious.  Al-fresco.  Makes you feel that Metro Manila is hundred hours away… and your mind also leaves behind whatever occupies it in bustling Manila.

 

We meet Ugu’s sister(?), Haidee and her son Kim at Ugu’s clay-crafts gallery.  There was another group ahead of us, scouring the area where Ugu’s hands have shaped some fine pottery arts and crafts.  The shop displays his original dinnerware sets, furniture and house décor.

 

 

We look around and bathe ourselves in fresh air.  The unpolluted air revives our tired spirits making us feel like we only woke up a few minutes ago, ready for the rest of the day.

 

Ugu’s pottery garden composes of different dining areas, each bedecked with its own artistic slash native charm.

 

 

While waiting for the food to be served, Bubba and I relaxed on our seats.  We see more people coming in.  A familiar face entered my view and I waved hello.  It was Anton of Our Awesome Planet and he shared some of his discoveries in Quezon, particularly Cagbalete Island (which I’ve been meaning to visit as well after reading it on Jen’s site).  Anton has a big project coming up (amidst a lot of his other ongoing projects) but this is a first of OAP and it’s pretty exciting!   You gotta watch out for that!

 

 

I also saw Liza, formerly from the Star group with some of her friends.  They are staying at Casa San Pablo, Bubba’s first picked when he planned this trip but I suggested trying a new place so we opted to go for Tahanan ni Aling Meding near Sampaloc Lake.

 

 

The wait staff, all in white shirt and board shorts (very summery), arrived and placed the starters on the table.  One apologized that the dishes will come in one at a time because it’s being cooked personally by Ugu fresh in the kitchen.  We didn’t mind at all since time seems to be irrelevant when you are in an exceptionally comfortable and relaxed setting.

 

 

On the Table

 

Halaan Soup

The warm broth with big clams (Pacific clams?) was very soothing, and ideal calmer for my sore throat.

 

 

Ensaladang Pako (Fern Salad)

The fern salad tasted fresh with a faint hint of citrus –the bits of green apple slices add a natural and easy sweetness to the dish.

 

 

Both starters were good openers.  Quite simple in taste, cleansing the palate for a story of flavors to come.

 

 

Tortang Tahong

“Torta” is the Philippine version of omelette.  This particular torta was made with mussels and onions.  It’s not an immediate leap from the taste of the earlier starters but a first for me to try.

 

 

Kulawo (Puso ng Saging or Banana Palm Heart)

One taste of Kulawo and Bubba and I were both impressed.  The smoky flavor emerges on top of the flaky dish.  The grilled (tad bit tangy) taste is very delish and we couldn’t quite get enough of it.

 

 

Calamares

Big squid rings very lightly battered with sweet and sour sauce on the side

 

 

Sauteed Shrimps

 

 

Lapu Lapu with Mango Relish

Clean and light fish meat accompanied by sweet and slightly tangy mango relish

 

 

Barbecued Spareribs

Interestingly, each dish builds a different layer of flavor and ultimately, the smoky barbecue ribs reconnect the taste of the Kulawo, linking the overall taste.  There’s a thick sheet of fat accompanying the chunk of meat and it melts in the mouth almost surreptitiously.  The barbecue sauce coating is lip smacking that you’d want to scrape off the charred BBQ sauce and nick the bones with your teeth.  Or maybe that’s just me *shrugs*

 

 

Cold Coconut Juice

Refreshing with shards of coconut meat

 

 

 

Ginumis

 

 

With a smorgasbord of food in front of us, Bubba asked me what my favorite was.

 

 

Bubba was surprised that I rated the ribs my #1 because he would suppose that Naughty Nuri’s has raised the bar high in terms of ribs experience.  It’s hard not to really like Ugu’s version of smoked spareribs, with its rich, barbecue flavor… and the sinful fat! 

 

I told him, “You already know by now, me and fat… are this close (crossing my index and middle finger).”

 

Bubba’s favorite was surprisingly the sautéed garlic shrimp, which he would not normally touch in an ordinary day.

 

 

We both agree on our second favorite –the smoky and quite tasty banana palm heart.   

 

Service was great –efficient and very affable.  Ugu is a multi-faceted artist that can whip up the most delicate pottery inside his workshop and the most delectable dishes from his kitchen.

 

There’s so much to remember on this wonderful lunch at Ugu’s :)

–

 

 

Escape into this beautiful countryside home that showcases pottery artwork and clayware that contains scrumptious food… Leave with a satisfied tummy and relaxed mind.  It reminded me of Bali, but it is definitely a class of its own. 

 

Ugu Bigyan

Brgy. Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon

(042) 545 9144

 

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How to get there:

(Directions from http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ugu)

To Tiaong Quezon:

From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway all the way to the south end.  At the end of the tollway, after the toll plaza, take the exit that points to Lucena and simply drive along this national road until you reach the Sto. Tomas junction.  Sto. Tomas has two junctions, and one of which (the second) does not have any road sign when we passed by.  Anyway, on both juctions, take the road to the left (southeastward) toward Lucena.  This will take you through Alaminos then San Pablo Laguna.  At San Pablo junction, just follow the highway, veering to the right and bypassing the city.  Do not enter San Pablo proper.   Next town after San Pablo would be Tiaong.

 

From Tiaong: From the Tiaong market, continue further southwest along the national road.  After about 240m, the road will turn sharply to the left.  Continue down the road southeast.  About 480m from the turn you will see the Tiaong Municipio on your right.  Continue travelling for another 2.4km from the municipio until you see the Tiaong Rural Bank on the left side.  If you prefer looking at kilometer posts, this rural bank is a few meters after KM98.  Turn left at the small street just before the rural bank.  600m into the street, after crossing a rail road halfway, you will see a sign ‘Alvarez Village’.   Turn left, and barely 90m from the corner, you will see a distinctly different house constructed from bricks on the left side. This is Ugu’s workshop-residence.

 

 

—

 

 

 

Our jovial group headed to Makasuntra Glutton Bay for dinner in two separate cabs.  Good thing we were sharing cabs, which means we were able to split the cost too.  In Singapore, the cabs usually charge (lawfully) extra during peak hours –the meter will show how much extra you need to pay for.  Our cab fare came out pretty cheap because 4 of us split it.

 

 

Makasuntra Glutton Bay

 

Makasuntra Glutton Bay is also a hawker place –prices are more upscale than the one we tried the day before.  It is an al fresco food center where stalls gather in one row offering different fares –Indian food, Hainanese chicken rice, bah kut teh, chicken satay, nasi lemak, chili crab, dimsum treats, prawn mee, char kway teow, laksa, curry fish, and a whole lot more hawker specials.  The price ranges from $3.90 for a plate of BBQ wings to $25 for one chili crab.

 

 

It was tough to decide on what to order because everything looked so appetizing.  Jen had an easier time.  Jen’s goal in this Singapore trip is to finally try Singaporean chili crabs –the thing she wasn’t able to do during her last trip here.  She was hesitating because the crab’s price was a bit expensive.  I agreed to split the crab and the price with her.  We were both happy campers.

 

That night, Jen happily scratched off that item on her “must do” list.

 

Everybody ordered ample dishes I think, except for me.  Before I left, Kate recommended that I try the fried baby squid (SGD 10.00) at Boon Tat BBQ Seafood.  I ordered that plus seafood rice (SGD 4.00).  The spicy baby clams were eyeing me seductively, but with great effort, I refused to be seduced

 

 

I also ordered Buffalo chicken wings (SGD 1.30 per piece –minimum of 3 pieces) from Huat Huat, which tasted soooo good.  They served it surprisingly with “calamansi” –I have no objections since I love calamansi. 

 

 

Jen requested if she can split it with me since there’s a minimum order –honestly, I can finish the whole plate myself but I didn’t mind splitting it with her.  I love Jen’s appetite –she eats a lot and I wonder how she maintains her sexy figure.  With her likable appetite, I think she’d be a good food trip buddy –even in the Philippines or maybe Malaysia.  She and I discussed possibility of going together to Sinulog in January or to Malacca (Kate’s Malacca stories prompted me) in February or March.  Like me, Jen also loves to travel and her bouncy spirit adds positive energy to the scene.

 

 

 

Chrissy ordered Mee Goreng and a plate of the grilled chicken wings as well.  Being the brain behind the website Kitchen Cow, it’s so easy to trust Chrissy’s taste as well.  Jonel ordered Bah Kut The, as recommended by Chrissy.  Ivy and Yoshke both shared their shrimp omelette and ordered Fresh Coconut juice. 

 

 

Every plate on the table was delicious!  We all tried each other’s dishes.  The group gave a thumbs-up to Kate’s recommended fried baby squid that I ordered.  Chrissy joked that I should carry in my conscience the death of “baby” squids –how babies died because of me.  It was seriously yummy –better than the ones my family had at Xin Tian Di at Crowne Plaza.

 

 

We simply couldn’t step on the breaks of eating.  The group was teasing me that my food occupied half of the table.  Haha, I deny that allegation.  Ivy claims my rice is good for three people.  Am I that obvious?

 

Merlion

 

After all that food, we decided to walk it off.  Chrissy led the way as we traversed the Glutton Bay side and strolled to the Merlion spot. 

 

 

Before the walk, we enjoyed the glittering lights of Shenton Way and took some group photos.  We had quite a number of funny shots –dramatizing the Lee ad and doing all sorts of staging (I think the photos were in Ivy’s and Chrissy’ cameras). 

 

 

Yoshke meanwhile drops a bomb or two –funny remarks that can catch you off guard at first, stunned at the absurdity and candidness.  We were having a ball and we laughed all the way to the Merlion area.

 

 

We paused for a while and watched a cultural dance.  Ivy and I reconnected again with our cameras and perspective shots. 

 

 

Individually, paired, threesome-d, grouped, the long, simple, leisure walk was truly enjoyed.  Spurts of laughter here and there. 

 

The sound of water was so relaxing…

 

 

The Esplanade and the skyscrapers gleam wonderfully against the night sky.  It was great to just take a breather and get drowned in the dance of lights.

 

 

Coming up: Singapore Day 3 in IKEA…

 

Noemi’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Video Coverage

 

Ivy Baldoza Multiply Album

Singapore Day 1 Album

Singapore Day 2 Album

Singapore Day 2 Afternoon Album

Singapore Day 2 Night Album

Singapore Day 3 | IKEA Album

 

Related Post

Singapore and Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2: Tour de Singapore Lah!

Xin Tian Di Restaurant

 

–

 

 

After all the glam and recognition during Nuffnang’s Asia Pacific Blog Awards the night before, it was time to do the Singapore tour sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.

 

 

But first, much love and thanks to Pringles and Nuffnang again for sponsoring the Singapore trip with my fellow bloggers.  Nuffnang’s first international blogging award event was a complete success.  Cheers!

 

 

Royal Selangor

 

Day 2 started with a trip to Clarke Quay –we visited Royal Selangor.  Royal Selangor is the largest Malaysian pewter manufacturer and retailer of different tableware and gift items made out of pewter.  It is a big Malaysian brand icon that offers handcrafted pewter objects initially from Kuala Lumpur but eventually branched out to 40 shops worldwide.  With its excellent craftsmanship, now it exports to more than 20 countries with big retail outlets in London, Toronto, Melbourne, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

 

That morning was spent being crafty, we first learned how to mark a circular pewter plate.  My design was crisscrossing the words “Bubba Love” “Jane Love” in a square and with an end tag of Between Bites. 

 

Judd was having as much fun as I was

 

After that “engraving” activity, the instructor taught us, her apprentice in the Royal Selangor Apprentice Pewtersmith workshop, how to make our circular plates into bowls.  Everyone kept hammering away.  I was having a tough time making my tin disc to obey.  Everyone’s plates started to shape into a bowl –Jonel’s, Erica’s and Chrissy’s, except mine.

 

 

I even tried to channel negative energy and bring out the angst hidden somewhere in me to help me muster all the strength to hammer hard.  With all the noise, I kept screaming, “I hate you!!!  I hate you pewter!!!” 

 

Err, no help there.  The plate was still not forming.  Not enough hate.

 

 

Thank goodness the lady instructor went over to our table and assisted me.  I whispered jokingly in her ear, “I had a very happy childhood you know.”  She got it immediately and laughed heartily.  I was so relieved.  Nobody laughs at my jokes –not even Bubba.  I blame it to comic timing –but now I’m rethinking and it must have something to do with culture.  If my career doesn’t work out here in Manila, I’m going to do stand up in Singapore.

 

(See, that’s a joke.  Are you laughing? )

 

Finally, her intense hammering formed my disc into a bowl.  YAY!  It was such a stress-relieving activity for most –I remember some years ago, when I get stressed at work, I go to Timezone and find that game where you pounce on the bugs –it was my perfect stress reliever then. 

 

Best thing was they let us take home our personalized bowls and the “School of Hard Knocks” apron.  We were ecstatic!

 

Next stop was the Singapore Flyer.

 

The Singapore Flyer is an iconic landmark in the country, with its 28 glass capsules in the skies.  With its slow movement, it gives one unique aerial views from every altitude and angle from a high altitude of 165 meters –the highest in the world. 

 

 (SPREAD THE L-O-V-E… LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

 

Even altophobic or acrophobic people like me would not have a problem riding the Giant Observation Wheel.  Getting a bird’s eye view of the city skyline of Singapore, everyone couldn’t help but take photos. 

 

Turning Chinese at Chinatown

 

Lunchtime, the bus took us to Maxwell Center –where the best Hainanese chicken in Singapore is supposed to be –according to Kitchen Cow. 

 

 

True enough, the line in that specific hawker stall was pretty long.  But Chrissy stayed on and didn’t mind waiting in line for 15 minutes.  If it were in the Philippines, I wouldn’t have waited, but since we are already in Singapore and the newspaper clippings and awards attest to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice being the best, I waited patiently with Chrissy, Paul and Jonel.

 

Thinking about that specific Hainanese Chicken Rice is making my tummy grumble now.  It was seriously yummy and at a reasonable price.

 

After lunch, we headed to Chinatown.  This was where Ivy and I truly bonded over our cameras.  We were each other’s designated photographers and we just spoke each other’s language in terms of composition.  She was so fun to be with and I truly enjoyed taking her photos.  I hope I got her some really good shots.

 

 

It was really fun visiting the Chinatown museum as we explore how the Chinese live so simply and swim deeper into their culture.

 

Mint Museum of Toys

 

Except at the work place, I’ve always maintained to be a kid at heart.  Life is too short to be serious all the time.  The best moments in our lives are the ones where we have looked at the world with so much exuberance, love and hope –full of whimsical dreams.  It was at that time where heartaches were fleeting and simple joys were abundant. 

 

 

One way that reminds us of the moments that passed is through items from our childhood. 

 

“Whether you are a child at heart or an avid toy collector, The Mint Museum of Toys has something for everyone.  Housed in a contemporary five-storey building, it boasts a rich mix of nostalgia, education and inspiration”. 

 

 

We were lucky enough to meet the owner.  He claims that he who has the most toys at the end of life’s journey is the richest.  Richest in spirit. 

 

To Go Orchard Road or Not

 

After the toy museum, there was an option to go to Orchard Road or return to the hotel.  Most people went to Orchard Road, while I opted to return to the hotel and rest.  I wanted time to rest and freshen up after that long day.  Sweet sexy Jen and my PBB line buddy Jonel were supposed to go to Orchard but at the last minute decided to join me in my plans to explore the city in the evening with a revived energy. 

 

 

Before returning to our rooms, the final group to explore the cityscape during nighttime included Ivy, Yoshke, Jen, Jonel, Chrissy and I.  I was happy to retreat to my room and rest –was happy to see my pleasant roommate Kate home already –and by home, I mean the hotel room.  She deviated from the group to meet with her Singapore friends just before lunch.

 

Carlos paid our room a quick visit and we bonded.  He left a few minutes later so he could accompany Maki who wanted to check out the camera stores. 

 

After showering, I felt so refreshed and revitalized –water really works wonders.  I was raring to go and enjoy dinner with the group.  I was the designated caller of the group so I phoned everyone to meet at the lobby. 

 

Needless to say, the food trip at Makansutra Glutton Bay was as fantastic as the company.  We barely noticed that it was almost 12 midnight laughing, bonding and strolling the streets of Singapore.

 

Stay tuned for Day 2 Night Time and Day 3: Shopping at IKEA…

 

 

 

Noemi’s Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Video Coverage

 

Ivy Baldoza Multiply Album

Singapore Day 1 Album

Singapore Day 2 Album

Singapore Day 2 Afternoon Album

Singapore Day 2 Night Album

Singapore Day 3 | IKEA Album

 

Related Post

Singapore and Nuffnang Blog Awards

 

 

–

 

Spanx sent an invite to attend the exclusive Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 event.  This affair is a must-not-miss event since it is the biggest in food tasting event –organized for the foodie community in the Philippines by foodies themselves.  After running in the Philippine Marathon Run for Pasig River earlier that morning, I couldn’t pass the chance to discover the newest gastronomic finds.

 

 

The Battle of the Best Lechon in Manila

 

Lechon is a Filipino favorite of roasted suckling pig cooked slowly on a large stick in a pit over charcoal similar to the Brazilian’s rotisserie.  Lechon is prepared throughout the year for any special occasion, during festivals, and the holidays.  It’s usually the highlight of any festivity.  A Filipino celebration is never complete without a lechon carving station. It is often served with vinegar, or lechon sauce made out of liver pate and vinegar.  There are variations of serving lechon, fried, “paksiw,” or in pandan crepes like what Chinese do with their Peking Duck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But of course, purists will always love the most straightforward method.  And that’s where the battle begins…

 

________________________________________________________________

 

 

Sabroso

 

 

Sabroso Lechon

 

The Sabroso visit was in May 2009 and despite having 2 new choices for Lechon taste just a few steps away, my radar went to the Sabroso stall first.  The familiar was still the same successful taste in Lechon –crispy skin and delicate meat.

 

Price: PHP 550 / Kilo

 

Sabroso Lechon –Incredibly Flavorful Lechon

E. Rodriguez corner T. Morato, Quezon City

(632) 515-8259

Operation Hours: 9AM – 9PM

 

 

 

 

Ulcing’s

 

 

Next stop was Ulcing’s –whose banner claims “the original Cebu lechon.”  There are so many wonderful things about Cebu but it is really their tasty lechon that makes Manileños bring home kilos and kilos of this Cebu specialty.  Ulcing’s should get the tag incredibly flavorful lechon instead because the split second that the succulent pork meat hit my taste glands, it bursts into immense flavors!  I followed it with the thin crispy skin that crackled and ooh… I just rolled my eyes and shook my head in delicious disbelief.

 

Price: Lechon = PHP 550 / Kilo

 

Ulcing’s

A Q-6 Jusmag Area, Southside, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(632) 497 7957 / (632) 497 4231

 

 

 

 

Leonardo’s Lechon

 

 

 

“The heart of every celebration since 1947.”  Being in the food business for so many decades, Leonardo’s has definitely gotten their taste discernment right.  What they offer that others don’t is their specialty, Lechon Gallena –roasted chicken inside a roasted pig.  The chicken flavor marinates with the pork and vice-versa, quite an interesting blending of meat taste.  The chicken was positively the best-roasted chicken I’ve tasted –and it takes a “pig oven” to do it right. 

 

Price: Lechon Tagalog De Leche PHP 3,500 / 3-4 Kilos

 

Additional Services:

Boneless: Lechon Size + PHP 200

Recado/Lechon Style: Lechon Size + PHP 150

Gourmet Herb Sytle: Lechon Size + PHP 150

 

Leonardo’s Lechon

89 J. Basa St. San Juan, Metro Manila

(632) 725 8618 / (632) 724 3068

www.leonardoslechon.com

 

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Conclusion 

 

Marketing and Service: It was Sabroso who we believe had the best branding (despite my friend Andrew saying that the logo looks like a rat more than a pig hee-hee), but I personally find it cute and catchy –with some premium-ness to it.  Service was adequate too –same efficient service we received from their restaurant.  Ulcing’s does not currently have a physical location which means availability is made-to-order.

 

Price: Ulcing’s and Sabroso seem to be affordable in terms of per kilo of lechon.

 

Taste:  I liked Leonardo’s version where the rosemary flavor is quite evident.  And if you’re looking for variation of lechon, Leonardo’s will make you a fan of the ways they make lechon.  Among the three lechoneros though, Ulcing’s won the votes on our table of three.  Incredible Cebu lechon taste was right up their alley –by far the tastiest meat I have ever tasted in “commercial” lechon with the glossy crispy skin and appetizing aroma. 

 

 

Stay tuned for Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 Pt. 2…

 

 

 

Ultimate Taste Test 3.0 Album

 

Related Post

Mesa Grill Moderne

Hello Panizza at Uncle Cheffy’s

Luxury at Bay, Kawayan Cove

 

 

–

 

Guess where I was last Sunday?

 

 

Three words. 

 

Ultimate.  Taste.  Test.

 

Number.

 

3.0

 

Soon.

 

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