pictures Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Mama Empanada

September 8, 2015 by Janey

The empanada yo momma doesn’t know about. Okay, she does know about it. She should. Mama knows best and Mama Empanada could just very well be the best empanadas I’ve tried in Manila.

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One is definitely not enough. I am talking about a box right. Because there’s no question that one piece just won’t cut it. One box ain’t enough. I could finish all twelve glorious golden pieces, its crust beautifully baked to a nice gentle crunch. And inside that crisp outer dome, softness gushes from within this pastry.

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Soakin’ Up Summer at Diamond Hotel

April 16, 2014 by Janey

Summer is here and it’s the season to get some tan. Soak up the sun and get ready for a fun summer family bonding! Spend the day by the poolside or relax with the family in the luxurious confines of your room at Diamond Hotel Philippines.

Amp up your summer with Diamond Hotel’s Soakin’ Up Summer room package. For only Php 5,500 nett per night, get an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for 2 adults at Corniche, access to the swimming pool and Health Club and Spa, 3 hours free internet access per stay, discounts on massage and reflexology, discounts at the Poolside and Sky Lounge, and complimentary shuttle service to and from Mall of Asia or Robinson’s Place Manila.

If you are swimming or lounging by the poolside on a weekend, treat the whole brood to flavorful barbecue specialties, ice cold drinks and signature ice cream concoctions.

Lobster Buffet at Diamond Hotel’s Corniche

April 11, 2013 by Janey

You and I have probably tried many diets, especially this summer season. Lately, I’ve been on a seafood diet. You know what’s a seafood diet? I see food, I eat. Har har. That’s the best diet I’ve tried so far. When I’m on that regimen, I’m always in the best mood. 🙂

Seriously, I love seafood. When I was still with SIUTK (Somebody I Used to Know), I barely had any relationship with seafood. I couldn’t order it since we usually share our dishes. He’s obviously not a fan so I get so excited when friends invite to eat crustacean dishes but that’s still once in a blue moon.

And yes, let me repeat, I love seafood. That’s why I was jumping in joy one Friday when I found myself at Corniche at Diamond Hotel enjoying their Lobster Buffet.

If you’re familiar with Corniche’s buffet, it’s still pretty much the same but during Lobster Friday, they enhanced their offerings with more lobster dishes and fresh supply.

For starters, you can try their Lobster Pineapple Salad, which is lobster with pineapple on leaf salad, marinated vegetables, goat cheese and cocktail dressing. It’s a light salad to whet your appetite and get some greens inside your system for balance.

Savory European Cuisine at Savoy Bistro

February 28, 2012 by Janey

During the prominent Greek times, Plato and teacher Socrates exchanged philosophical dialogues laying foundations for Western philosophy and science. While that has greatly shaped the many schools of thought at present time, the only discourse that gets my full attention is an exchange of dibs on latest discovered restaurant, the best places to eat at a budget, specialty dishes that can’t be missed and will soon be the talk of town.

Such was the case when Bubba and I set out to Makati to find this Savoy Bistro. The pursuit of Savoy can be ascribed to our friend, Joel Yaptinchay, who we frequently text for random food talks / restaurant updates and exclaim some sudden “oohs and aahs” right after a “fantastique!” meal.

Savoy Bistro sits in the middle of East Asian Art Gallery along Kalayaan Avenue. We didn’t have reservations and decided to just wing it. Unfortunately, it was full on a Saturday so either we wait or skip. Swedish-born Chef Robert Lija sweet-talked us into staying with a glass of wine or two. Bubba and I weren’t in a hurry so we obliged, plus the red wine was really good.

East Asia Art Gallery features carefully selected pieces of art by various artists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Indonesia. Bubba and I roamed the 2^nd floor for a feast for the eyes.

one of our main entrees

After 10 minutes or so of waiting, the wait staff brought hors de oeuvres to our table, compliments of the Chef. Another 10 minutes gone by, Chef approached us with another plate of hors de oeuvres and a plate of Jamon Serrano, multigrain bread and goat cheese. I had not a better waiting time elsewhere.

Finally, Chef ushered us inside and into a special dining area amidst different collection of furniture and a wine cellar. It looked like a family dining room back in Scandinavia in 1900 but we had the whole room to ourselves.

The restaurant and gallery are both owned by Jonathan Torph, who approached our table that evening to check if everything was okay. He also happens to own the boxing gym next door and after finding out that Bubba is into that “thing,” both left me while I photographed the food to walk over to the gym.

On the Table

Mussels and Co PHP 270

Since we were almost full from the amuse bouche from the Chef, we decided to get something light for a starter. There is a choice between White Wine and Cream or Tomato Basil for a bowl of freshly cooked mussels.

Joel swore by their Mussels and Co and even if I love tomatoes, we heeded. It was served with Savoy’s own sour dough multi grain bread which we also finished dipping it into the left over cream on the bowl. This is a definite repeat order for me plus maybe I’d order the Tomato and Basil too. We can’t have too many mussels especially if it’s THIS MOUTHWATERINGLY GOOD.

Tournedos Rossini PHP 980

King of Steaks served with Pan Fried Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce

I still can’t get over the Mussels and Co appetizer when the Tournedos Rossini arrived on the table. The interest did shift right after a bite or two of the medium cooked steak that had a bright pink color in the inside and perfect sear outside. Foie gras –always the perfect comrade for this meaty mouthful and all brought together in an exquisite truffle sauce. Bubba did look for more of that enticing fragrant truffle aroma but I agree that we only caught quiet hints of it.

Justin Bieber Concert in Manila on May 11, 2011.

January 10, 2011 by Janey

Bieber fans are probably all psyched up with the fact that their beloved Justin Bieber or “JB” is having a concert in Manila on May 10, 2011. Good thing that May 10, 2011 is not an election day this year. Justin Bieber fans definitely vote to go to the concert whether rain or shine.

Smart Telecommunications is producing the Justin Bieber concert in partnership with Music Management International and AEDI. The Justin Bieber Manila Concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Justin was supposed to be linked to a Filipina-American singer Jasmine Villegas but E! News recently showed a photo of Justine Bieber steamy with Selena Gomez in Cabo.

Poreotix, which is America’s Best Dance Crew, is also going to perform during the Justin Bieber Manila Concert.

Justin Bieber Concert in Manila

May 10, 2011 (Tuesday)

Venue: SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Ticket Price:

Note:

*VIP section is now closed for reservation

*Gold-A section is now available at all TicketWorld outlets.

Gold-A P 5, 268 – Reserved Seating

Gold-B P 5, 268 – Free Seating (First Come First Served)

Silver P 3,688 – Standing Only

Bronze P 2, 107 – Standing Only

General Admission P 790 – Standing Only

Are you one of the Justin Bieber fans? I cannot wait to see that hair up close.

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A Weekend Getaway at Summit Ridge, Tagaytay

August 4, 2010 by Janey

Bubba and I drove to Tagaytay last Saturday and checked in at Summit Ridge Hotel around 3pm. Right before we reached Summit Ridge, we noticed the low lying clouds from the other side of the hills and the road started to be really foggy. Not long before I got worried about road visibility, Summit Ridge was within sight.

(from Summit Ridge website)

Robinsons Land Corporation opened the doors of Summit Ridge Hotel in June 2009 and guests who visit Tagaytay for its picturesque view of Taal Volcano and its refreshing surroundings and want the modern convenience of a hotel have been welcomed since. It perfectly sits atop Tagaytay Ridge that’s actually 2,000 feet above sea level –the very incentive to take a short drive to Tagaytay, cool climate.

Right beside the hotel is the Summit Ridge Promenade, which is a commercial complex that has quite a number of interesting restaurants that include both the new and the familiar. The roster of dining venues includes Classic Cuisine (C2), Giligan’s restaurant, The Sizzling Pepper Steak, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (perfect for cold weather) and The Coffee Beanery. I was wondering where Sanctuario restaurant was since it wasn’t in its location near the Rotonda. I’m glad to see that it has moved to a better location at the Summit Ridge Promenade.

They also have a few stores for shopping and Fun Time amusement center for the kids or kids at heart. What’s wonderful about this hotel and promenade being owned and managed by the Robinsons group is the fact that they also built a Robinsons Supermarket right next to it, which makes it so convenient to buy necessities that you may need while traveling.

Hotel staff welcomes you by the drop-off point at the car lobby. Step into the sprawling hotel lobby of Summit Ridge that swiftly spells hotel elegance. If only the personnel by the reception is as welcoming and friendly as the ones that greet you by the door, EVEN with a warm smile from ME and a quick pip about the weather outside, I would have definitely felt right at ease. But no. I’ve had friendlier and more accommodating reception from two different lodging places in Tagaytay. I’m happy to note though that that was the only hiccup from our wonderful and relaxed stay at Summit Ridge last weekend.

Our room reservation for that day was for a Twin Classic but since that room specifically offers two single beds, we asked to be upgraded to King Classic that has one King size bed –which is more ideal for vacationing couples.

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The difference in the rates between a Twin Classic and the King is only PHP 600. You can also get 64sqm suites at PHP 12,000 – PHP 14,000 a night with two balconies, kitchen implements, dinnerware set-up, microwave oven for your leftover food and reheating needs and a built-in kitchen hub –a complete set-up for those who travel and want to play cook or house whichever is the case.

Room Rates:

Twin Classic – P6, 550

King Classic – P7, 150

Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550

Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000

Summit Suite – P14,000

The 32sqm King Classic room looked bigger than its actual size. The room is suitably equipped with 32-inch LCD TV with cable including a channel guide, in-room coffee and tea facilities, a safety box, a spacious shower, telephone, personal fridge, and split-type AC! Best of all, which is really a come-on for folks like me who want to be connected online or do some work on the side, Summit Ridge hotel has in-room Wi-Fi Internet access! And connection is gooooood. *nods*

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Bubba enjoying the Wi Fi and plurking

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Squeaky clean bathroom with no moldy smells! 😀

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I like that they provisioned for a bag rack

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As mentioned, every room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful and scenic Taal Lake, which is especially lovely in the morning. Bubba spent a good time by the balcony Saturday afternoon as well as Sunday morning.

Another thing that rocks about Summit Ridge is the 24-hour gym!!! I actually brought gym clothes including my iPod and work-out gloves but incidentally, I left my new running shoes! Bubba brought everything from head to toe for workout but guess what, the bed was too cozy that he slept in and ignored his alarm the following morning. Folks who are gym buffs or those who have incorporated working out in their everyday lifestyle need not worry even if they stay out too late exploring Tagaytay –the gym is open anytime if you want to break out a sweat.

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View of the pool deck from our floor

During that weekend, I think there was a wedding ceremony in Tagaytay (probably Chapel on the Hill) and they decided to do the wedding reception at Summit Ridge. Bubba and I saw the wedding car at the parking lot and guests that were dressed in the nines. Summit Ridge also offers ballrooms for your birthday, wedding and other celebrations, as well as training and functions rooms for business seminars, conferences and team building sessions. What better way to throw a party or an event than in the cool and breezy Tagaytay City, a natural escape from the city.

(from Summit Ridge website)

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That evening, we were tempted to go to Antonio’s like last time but we decided to try something new. Bubba and I headed out to dine at Taj of Tagaytay (more on this on a separate post) and had a wonderful dinner of Mutton Biryani Rice and Chicken Vindaloo. After stuffing ourselves silly, the comfort of our room was suddenly heavily missed that we decided to head back right after dinner.

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Summit Ridge Promenade offers live acoustic nights every Saturdays in its open-air lifestyle center from 7pm to 12mn. We caught a bit of the music on our way back to the hotel. The Sky Lounge on the roof deck is also worth a look.

Wine and Coco Bella Chocolates 🙂

That evening, Bubba and I mused whether to read our own books while drinking wine or watch a movie on his laptop. As usual, the latter won and we were immersed with the movie, Uncertainty, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt (who I think is as deep of an actor as Heath Ledger, with deep penetrating eyes and facial expression) until midnight. Movie somehow reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors.

After a long prayer for both our families, sleep beckoned us and we were off to dreamland. A long satisfying, uninterrupted and restful sleep followed and we stretched out our arms to a beautiful sunny morning around 9am.

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Breakfast that gorgeous Sunday was spent at Annie’s/C2 at the ground floor of Summit Ridge Hotel. There was a lean breakfast buffet set-up awaiting the morning people such as us.

Bubba had a plateful helping of longganisa (local pork sausage), garlic rice, 2 sunny side-up eggs, ham, danggit/tuyo (dried fish) and a bowl of milk and cereals. I wasn’t in a big mood to eat so I had something light –omelet and 1 slice of wheat bread. Bubba had mango juice and hot chocolate while I had pineapple juice.

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After breakfast, we went to check out the pool area and still spent some quality time lounging in our room before heading out for lunch. Lunch was spent at the enchantingly charming Marcia Adam’s Tuscany (more on this on a separate entry).

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Having been to Tagaytay countless of times, I thought that I’ve already combed Tagaytay to the grits but there is still so much to discover in the city on the hills –even lofty accommodations in a hotel category such as Summit Ridge Hotel as well as fantastic restaurants around the bend. Tagaytay still never fails to exude that harmony of natural beauty with a bit of urban style. The Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade is one of the best Tagaytay bets for any weekend warrior. Room accommodation is quite sufficient.

Summit Ridge

Km. 58, Maharlika West

Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines

(632) 240 6888

(63) 922 852 6800

reservations@summitridgehotel.com

Summit Ridge Album

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

How to get to Summit Ridge/Directions:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

Take the Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after the tollgates. Keep following the path and you will see signposts along the road directing you to Summit Ridge.

Via Aguinaldo Highway

Go straight towards the Rotonda, then turn right towards the direction of PAGCOR Casino. The hotel is located in front of Josephine’s Restaurant beside Robinsons or Summit Ridge Promenade.

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6 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: accommodation, activity, address, aircon, Antonio's, Antonio’s, Bar, Batangas, best accommodation, best bed and breakfast, best blog, best date place, best food, best hotels in Tagaytay, best restaurants in Tagaytay, best service, best travel, blogger, boutique hotels, Breakfast, cable, Calaruega, car, ceremony, cheap, cheapest accommodation, Church, City, climate, cold stone facial, cool climate, credit card accepted, day trip, dinner, discount, DVD player, DVDs, Filipino, food blog, food review, free, free body massage, garden restaurant, Good Service, government, hills, honeymoon suites, Hotel, hotel location, hotel review, how much, how to find, how to get there, king size bed, landmark, landmarks, LCD screen, live acoustic nights, location map, Lunch, Marcia Adam’s Tuscany, mayor, menu, Metro Manila, mountains, night cap, night life, ongoing, overlooking, parking lot, peak season, Philippines, Photo, photos, pictures, price, Promo, quick near Manila, rate, rates, reasonable price, reception, restaurant, Restaurants, road map, Robinsons Group, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsonsland, romantic, romantic getaway, room accommodation, rooms, safe, service, SM, Summit Ridge Hotel, Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade, Summit Ridge Promenade, Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, Tagaytay, Tagaytay best restaurants, Tagaytay breeze, Tagaytay church, Tagaytay City, Tagaytay hotels, tagaytay map, Taj of Tagaytay restaurant, Taste Manila, the Promenade, travel, travel blog, trip, tripadvisor, Tuscany restaurant, TV, Vanilla Suites, Video, weather, wedding, weekend getaway, what to order, where to go, where to go in Tagaytay, with view of Taal Lake, zip line, ziplines, ziplining

Summit Ridge Tagaytay Online Promo

July 30, 2010 by Janey

Looking for a weekend getaway? Why not head over to the hills of Tagaytay? 😉

Summit Ridge Tagaytay has a great online promo on accommodation. You still have 2 days left to book 🙂

Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Room rates as low as Php 2,988

Book online from July 16 to 31 and get exclusive room rates!

Stay period: August 1 to September 30, 2010

LIMITED TIME OFFER! BOOK NOW!

Visit www.summitridgehotel.com

*Valid for online bookings only. Subject to room availability. Breakfast not included.

Km 58, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. TEL: (632) 240-6888

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New Year! Hello 2010!

January 15, 2010 by Janey

Where did you greet the New Year? 😉

January 1, 2010

00:00 AM

Bonifacio High Street, Fort

Right after the fireworks, we went straight to Friday’s.

Full rack baby back ribs, draft beer and Two Oceans charddonay.

Waiting for Chai.

Former Manila DJ Club

Fluxxe New Year’s Party

Jan. 01, 2010

3:30 AM

Start Quote I will see you later. I’m wearing a simple white dress by Emilio Pucci. I’ll match it with black stockings and my vintage loboutins. I’ll use my new Birkin bag from Tony Boy. Super and almost no make-up because I’m wearing my oxblood color lipstick, which I got from my last trip in New York. Wag ka masyado magayos at simple lang ako later. End Quote

Let’s say his name didn’t appear on my phone,

I know for a fact which very very good friend of mine sent me an SMS like that.

Glittering.

Sensational.

Love Misunderstood.

I know.

Because I understand him.

That must probably come from getting bitten by him once.

No, it ain’t Robert Pattinson.

Photo S-say:

Foursome Awesome 🙂

Kennykins looks drunk? Looks can be deceiving. He was wasted 😀

Yes, he loves me. The kinster loves me.

Copy furnished (CC): Chai and Chris

My Polka Purse

Chaifer in Purple

Jane: NO, thank you Kennykins.

With Chaifer and Kinster

…And I do too.

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Vanilla Suites, Tagaytay

November 3, 2009 by Janey

October 24, 2009. A hidden gem was discovered in Tagaytay.

Most hotels were fully booked that weekend. There were 2 more rooms available at a certain bed and breakfast hotel, price range PHP 7,000 -8,000, which include all the pampering works. If the reception weren’t snooty as usual (first visit here was the same), a room would have been booked. Decided to take a chance elsewhere and while going around, like an answered wish, we chanced upon Vanilla Suites.

Vanilla Suites’ 3 Rooms:

Classic Suite

Includes flat screen TV, cable TV, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, equipped DVD player, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 3,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 4,950

Holiday: PHP 5,445

Garden Suite

Includes LCD TV, Cable TV, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 4,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 5,950

Holiday: PHP 6,545

Honeymoon Suite

Includes LCD TV with Home Theater, Cable TV, glass walls, overlooking Taal Lake, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, mini-refrigerator, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 5,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 6,950

Holiday: PHP 7,645

*Rates are VAT-inclusive and there is no service charge.

All three rooms were quite inviting. I liked the Garden suite but to spare 1K, opted to get the Classic suite. It was as cozy and dreamy. We were served our welcome drinks in the room while we settled in.

I didn’t want to leave the room but we had dinner reservations at Antonio’s. We were back a little past midnight and the ambience was the perfect setting for a long relaxed sleep.

The next morning, it was good to go out and feel the Tagaytay breeze. The morning was lovely, the sun giving a tender peck on the skin. There’s a short patch leading to a swing on the lower area and we decided to take a walk before breakfast.

Breakfast was served by Rosso Café | Ristorante (same management as the one in Manila). The friendly service was professional, efficient and accommodating. Vanilla Suites is also accepting wedding reception among other events. The packages are quite reasonable. It’s worth a look for those planning to wed soon.

After the breakfast, we rested and scheduled our cold stone facial and massage.

I see batman too.

By 12 noon, we were ready to check out. With a reluctant goodbye, we thanked the staff and promised a return.

Vanilla Suites and Antonio’s Album

Vanilla Suites Album 2

Vanilla Suites Multiply Site

Vanilla Suites

Kendrick Keh

(0917) 898 5586

(046) 413 4602

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3 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: accommodation, aircon, Antonio's, Batangas, best food, best service, best travel, Breakfast, cable, Calaruega, ceremony, cheap, Church, cold stone facial, discount, DVD player, DVDs, Filipino, free, free body massage, Good Service, honeymoon suites, Hotel, king size bed, LCD screen, menu, Metro Manila, ongoing, overlooking, Philippines, Photo, pictures, price, Promo, quick near Manila, rate, rates, reasonable price, reception, restaurant, romantic, romantic getaway, rooms, service, Taal Lake, Tagaytay, Tagaytay breeze, Tagaytay church, Tagaytay hotels, Taste Manila, travel blog, TV, Vanilla Suites, Video, weather, wedding, weekend getaway

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

April 29, 2009 by Janey

We finished touring Angkor Wat a little past 12. We went back to our hotel, the Dead Fish Guest House, and took a much-needed rest.

Of course, all three of us fell asleep as soon as we hit our room. It was such an early day for us waking up at 5AM to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Image Source Flicker Member emu468

We woke around 4PM and the first in the agenda was lunch. Since we’ve had enough of Khmer cuisine, we opted to go American. We missed fastfood. We eagerly headed to KFC.

Their chicken taste less salty than our Kentucky fried chickens in Manila but we love sinking our teeth in the “oh so familiar food”.

After our late lunch, we went around to look at souvenir shops. Most stores carry wallets, belt and display items made out of crocodile or snake skin.

With all the walk we did that morning, our muscles were in dire need of a Khmer massage (similar to Thai massage but with gentler strokes) after at USD5 per head.

We explored the area and found the restaurant and hotel that Bev recommended, Cafe de La Paix.

Our hotel’s restaurant, Dead Fish restaurant, has quite an intriguing dining interior. It’s multi-leveled without borders. It resembles an unfinished construction project, where it’s all skeletal and lofts. It has a rustic appeal to it.

While checking my mail and plurking at the hotel lobby/restaurant (free Wi-Fi), Lea conveniently bumps into us for our dinner date that evening.

Happy Herb Pizza is said to be pizza flavored to “excite”. Happiness served by the slice liberally garnished by the “organic herb” that makes people laugh –ranging from Double Happiness to Ecstatic. A row of pizzerias catches our attention and we dined at one. There was like a 5-minute effect and that was it. (Don’t ask us what we tried to do afterwards…)

The pizza was split into two flavors, one was Quattro Formaggi (our choice) and the other was Everything on It (Lea’s choice). The pizza was yummy! I especially like the Quattro Formagi because the taste is subtle yet flavorful.

We walked to the famed and now our own favorite Pub Street for some late night drinks. We stopped by 2 travel agencies first to check the airfare cost for a flight back to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam. It was about PHP7,000 without the terminal fee yet of USD 25. Remembering the long uneasy drive to Siem Reap, I consider a bit. But since we already incurred the rebooking fee for our return flight to Manila, I decided against it. I might as well endure the ride back.

Chris bumped into his friend Jay who was with his friends having dinner at the Mexican restaurant we dined in the night before.

Temple was our spot for the night. We picked our poisons –Lea treated me to a Tomb Raider drink (the drink named after Angelina Jolie’s movie that was shot in Cambodia). While drinking, we enjoyed a bit of Apsahara show. Lea called Rattana and he went to meet us. We invited him to join us for drinks. After finishing our drinks, we asked Rattana if there are any dance clubs in Siem Reap. He said there were and brought us there. I said Hip-Hop and he nods his head in recognition.

We got to an exclusive dance club with suspicious scantily clad girls in a huddle outside. No photo policy in the club. The music was undeniably hip-hop but mixed with Khmer local music. For the heck of it, we ordered drinks (this time on me) and stayed for 20 minutes before heading back to the hotel.

Since Lea was set to leave early the next day to a bus ride back to Phnom Penh where her plane touched down, we kissed Lea goodbye before turning in.

Albums:

Cambodia Trip Set 1 DSLR Photos

Cambodia Trip Set 2 DLSR Photos

Vietnam Day 1 Album

Angkor Wat Album

Siem Reap, Cambodia Album

Cambodia – Vietnam Trip Album

Related Post

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

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Seek and Destroy at URCC 13 Indestructible

November 26, 2008 by Janey

URCC 13 Indestructible

Fight Card

Lawrence Chan Strikes and Submissions v. Jerson Estoro Elorde MMA (Bantamweight 130-139 lbs.)
Jayco Telan Nat Kick Phil v. Jessi Rafols Gym Kata Sambo (Bantamweight 130-139 lbs.)
Sherwin Dagohoy Hybrid Yaw Yan v. Noble Ampoc Yaw Yan Ardigma (Pinweight 110-119 lbs.)
Ramonito Pabroa D’ Elements Gym v. Lando Espinosa Elorde MMA (Bantamweight 130-139 lbs.)
Gello Reyes DEFTAC v. Dennis Padua Way of the Champions (Bantamweight 130-139 lbs.)
Jesus Rabadon Gym Kata Sambo v. Roy Docyogen Lakay Wushu (Pinweight 110-119 lbs.)
Ali Khatibi DEFTAC v. Carl Sabenaino Hybrid Yaw Yan (Featherweight 140-149 lbs.)
Jerry Legaspi Hybrid Yaw Yan v. Edward Folayang Lakay Wushu (Welterweight 160-169 lbs.)
Zhang Tie Quan Black Tiger Team China v. Caloy Baduria Elorde MMA (Middleweight 170-179 lbs.)
Justin Cruz Fokai Guam 135 lbs v. Kevin Belingon Lakay Wushu 128 lbs.

Universal Reality Combat Championship is back on the spotlight again last Saturday, November 22. The most recent URCC event presented the 13^th installment celebrating the 6^th year of its inception. URCC 13 dubbed as “Indestructible” showcased 10 vicious MMA bouts that highlighted 2 superfights, one of which is the 170-179 lb-match between Zhang Tie Quan of Black Tiger Team China and Caloy Baduria of Elorde MMA .

It was a surprisingly quick match when Caloy tapped out 3 minutes after the first round bell clanked. Mongolian Wolf Tie Quan, who made another appearance from his debut during URCC 7, The Art of War, hit Baduria with some head punches on the onset. Baduria tried to fight back but the fighter from China locked Baduria on a guillotine choke that consequently caused Caloy’s defeat. Caloy gestured apologetically to the crowd who ponderously cheered him during his walk to the ring. This puts Philippines at zilch and China at 4 wins, with the closest match being Christian Wong’s against Ao Hai Ling, where the whole Araneta Coliseum crowd was rocked in their seats.

Gello Reyes marked his first URCC debut, long overdue I must say, with blood red rage as he showed no mercy during the match versus Dennis Padua. At the very second the bell rang, he charged at his 5’11 opponent like a bull and slammed Padua down on the ground like a dear caught in the bull’s horns. Padua struggled and tried to collapse Reyes’ mount off his body. Reyes game plan was to have a striking fest given that boxing is his bread and butter. But that initial strategy was scrapped when the visuals changed. Despite Reyes’ 6-inch height discrepancy, he strongly held his center as Padua attempted to squirm out of his grasp. Reyes stabbed his opponent’s shape with slicing punches to the face and the sides. Padua sneaked a few punches in as retaliation to Reyes’ thunderous beating. Reyes didn’t wait any longer and took a shot at finishing the fight by transitioning to a choke. Reyes got Padua’s idle back and went for a rear naked choke that eventually secured Reyes’ deserved victory.

The main bout was Fokai Guam’s Justin Cruz versus Lakay Wushu’s Kevin Belingon. Justin Cruz’ game was much anticipated from roughing it through 2 grilling matches against Lino “The Terminator” Tagacay. He has gained respect from the community for gaining two victories against a boxing magnate. Contrary to the bouts preceding the super match, the final bout was like a chess game, more mental than just physical. Both fighters were standing firm on their strategy and waiting for the other to attack. Justin Cruz attempted 4 times to take down Kevin Belingon but Kevin wouldn’t budge. The Baguio fighter was on top of his game as he furiously gave several heavy kicks on Justin’s shins. A couple of those kicks actually made the Guam fighter stagger twice. Belingon tried to capitalize on it by moving in but Cruz was quick on his step. In the end of 2 rounds, it was an undecided match that led to the judges’ scorecards. Unanimously the judges all scored in favor of Kevin Belingon. I would have put it at a close draw or at most, split decision in favor of Belingon, since Justin did a showing but needed a convincing win to steal the belt.

URCC 13 Indestructible Photo Album

URCC Gelo Reyes Fight Video

Watch out for upcoming URCC events for the best MMA bouts in the country. Skills, teamwork and hearts determined to win are displayed by the various disciplines/teams who participate in this event.