Cookbook Kitchen, Eastwood

Cookbook Kitchen is kinda popular and made waves for being a must-try restaurant.  Their first branch is in Mandaluyong which started inconspicuously, then generated a following. 

For our team lunch, we decided to hook up at the Eastwood City branch.  For a party of 6, we ordered the CBK Italian toast and Garlic Shrimp for appetizers, then the Pesto Pasta, Vigan Pasta, Parmesan Crusted Fish and Pineapple Soy Spareribs as main courses and each had a glass of iced tea.  Our bill was P3,800, so that is roughly at P 630++ for each.  Did we get the value for the price we paid?

Vigan pasta and the parmesan crusted fish

For one, the budget of P 600/pax is not easily afforded by most of the people for an everyday lunch.  But if you have money to spare, then this is an ok place to go to.  Location is good, being in the vicinity of Eastwood Mall.  There are a lot of other things to do in Eastwood than just eating.

what i actually ate

I particularly liked the Vigan pasta for its uniqueness in taste, because you add vinegar to the pasta.  It doesn’t become strong to taste, but rather flavourful.  The others enjoyed the pesto pasta on the other hand.

pesto pasta with ciabatta

I am not sure if it’s just me being an almost-no-seafood eater, but the fish was rather icky to my taste buds.

Red iced tea too sweet, we had to dilute it with water or maybe you can ask for lot of ice! (you do not have to go bottomless)

We skipped dessert and headed off to the bowling lanes instead.

 

 

Dinosaurs Island, Clark Airfield, Pampanga

“want to see more!”

Reviewed January 20, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

They are adding new attractions in Clark Airfield, Pampanga and this is one of them. We may still be far from international theme parks, but this is good enough.

From the entrance, there are already 2 dinos which a kid can ride for P50. The sound is so realistic that my 3 yr old niece did not want to go inside the park. Bummer.

But staff were too nice and accommodated us even if we did not go inside the actual park, they allowed us to peek through the big gate (ala Jurassic Park) and from there we already saw 2 life sized dinos that moves and growls. There is a sensor that triggers them to move.

Staff told us that there are also mascots that walk around. Too bad, we didn't really see them.

The dinos outside can be touched, they are made of some kind of plastic, but soft to touch.

The restroom cubicle doors are dinosaur-themed as well.

Food stalls are available for snacks. A souvenir shop too.

Parking is not a problem, but maybe just to caution, it is best if you are not wearing flip flops or open shoes, because your feet will get too dusty on your way to the entrance.

 

Visited on January 2013.

Same review posted on Trip Advisor.

 

Pino Resto Bar

“more than kare kareng bagnet !”

Reviewed January 19, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

 

I have been to this resto several times, but this is the first time i am writing it up. Yes, please try the kare kareng bagnet when you come and visit this place, but I have to tell you it is more than that! Check out their menu. You can also go veggie kare-kare by the way.

Fyi, you can also check out the menu of Pipino, the veggie resto upstairs. No worries ordering from upstairs.

I love the tofu stacked in a criss cross tower with bagnet. My dad does enjoy the crispy hito. A friend always orders the bacon and cheese stuffed chicken breast.

I tried the sisig rice once, it has a twist by having diced mangoes, it is ok, but I did not become a fan.

The iced tea at its price, is really a winner. Go for pitchers, not by the glass.

Service is a-ok. The place though is not meant for big group socials, but it is a nice place for good food and good chat with a small group of friends.

Ample parking space. If it is full, you can always park along the street..

Most of the servers are good-looking. :)

The good and bad of my Tagaytay weekend

http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2012/01/good-and-bad-of-my-tagaytay-weekend.html

Sepang Circuit, Malaysia

http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2011/04/formula-1-sepang-circuit-malaysia2007.html

Repost: Boracay

http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2011/04/boracay2008.html

Cliff jumping in Boracay

http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2011/04/bored-in-boracay-try-cliff-jumping.html

13 adventures in Bohol

http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2011/04/13-adventures-in-bohol.html

Tree Top Adventure, Camp John Hay, Baguio

“4 stars for the staff service!”

Reviewed January 15, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

First time to visit this last December. I don't remember seeing too many people inside Camp John Hay, maybe I was visiting other areas in the past. Anyway, this attraction share parking areas with the picnic ground, memorial, so it is crowded. Good thing, we hired a taxi for our personal tour that parking didn't stress us.

Several things you can do, the Tree Drop, Silver Surfer, Superman zipline, canopy ride, trekking. They even have packages designed to suit your fancy. Once you get there, a short orientation about the attractions are done. If you decide to give it a go, you register and pay. the rates are not shocking, they are fairly affordable.

I tried the silver surfer, but didn't find it too exciting. A friend tried the tree drop, but it was also not extreme.

What I like though are the staff who were assisting us, from orientation to actual rides, I felt they were all competent and really made sure about safety guidelines, they were really friendly too.

Be ready to hike a little, even if you didn't go for the trek. If you go to the silver surfer attraction, you. got to hike all the way to another area.

This goes for restrooms too, they are only near the entrance.

 

Visited on December 2012.

Same review posted on Trip Advisor.

 

where the adventure begins

orientation

tree drop

silver surfer

 

Tam-awan Village, Baguio

“must see, but not must return”

Reviewed January 14, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

I find this attraction as a must-go place in Baguio in several travel advisories. Why? Maybe because it is different in a way.

It is the first place the group went to after breakfast so that was around 9am of a Saturday in December. At that time, I felt we were the first group of visitors.
You need to climb up stairs, man made or otherwise to see the artworks. If you are more senior in years and not made for the hike, I do not suggest this. There are no elevators or disabled-friendly access.

Art from Ifugao houses, paintings, clothes, wood carving, etc. abound. But the other attraction here is the trail hike. Again, see my comment about the stairs. If you plan to hike up to the summit, make sure you got comfy footwear, best if you have hiking shoes. We survived with what we have though, some wearing slippers, toms, converse chucks... Get ready to get some mud or soil in your footsies with all that hiking. They have restrooms where you can wash your feet after.

They have a small café which my group did not bother to try.

They also have several artists who can do your portrait in 15 minutesfor PhP100. I can't say though that the portrait is close to a mirror image.

 

Visited on December 2012.

Same review posted on Trip Advisor.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh My Gulay, Baguio City

“oh my, ang sarap”

Reviewed January 11, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

At the penthouse, 4 flights up. No elevator, not disabled - friendly. But when you get up, ang ganda ng set up!
Must try is the Oh my gulay rice! There were 8 of us in the group and only one ordered pasta! no regrets. 10 kinds of veggies i think over rice, served mongolian grill style. Budget friendly, puede na P 150/pax if you are getting the omg rice and a drink lang.
Clean restrooms.

 

Visited on December 2012.

Same review on Trip Advisor.

 

the drinks

interior

OMG rice

of course, this is gulay

natural lighting background

a pond inside

choose wisely

 

BenCab Museum, Baguio

“worth the trip”

Reviewed January 10, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

The museum is not within the commercial or downtown area of Baguio city, but it is worth the trip. Public transport is rare in this area so I suggest you take your own car or contract a taxi.

The museum is full of art! Paintings, sculpture, etc. There will be something to catch anybody's eye.
There is the cafe at the basement that serves good food, complete with a view!

The staff who was guiding us through the museum, Strawberry, did an awesome job!

Aside from the art pieces, I find the architecture of the musuem itself worth the visit.

 

Visited on December 2012.

Same review posted on Trip Advisor.

 

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museum facade

graffiti wall

part of the gallery

with the bul-ols



Cafe Sabel interior

view deck

BenCab's muse:  Sabel

 

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

“I do not know what to feel about the animals”

Reviewed January 13, 2013

Trip Advisor

 

I like visitng parks but feel weird about caged animals. I feel sorry for them being trapped and locked-in. Anyway, this is another part of the city tour and likely a must-go place for tourists. You will see crocodiles up close and they are being bred here. When we got here, so many tourist vans and coasters crowd the parking lot ! As this was part of the booked tour, we did not have to worry about paying for anything here, except for personal souvenirs or snacks.

Though there is much to see here, I felt it is not properly maintained and can still be better. If you enter the nature park, you will see lots of caged animals like the bearded pig, eagles, bearcat, etc. Event he flora and fauna is something for the nature lovers. But just to caution, for those who attract mosquitoes and other bugs, please do put on insect repellant! I put some on too late and got insect bites. :(

There are souvenir shops outside, feel free to get something to tickle your fancy.

Also in the gazebos, they have baby crocs whch you can carry and have souvenir photos taken. You pay P 30 per person for holding the croc and your picture taken, bringing home the souvenir photo will cost you the extra P 150!

If you have young children, most of them will enjoy this place, seeing the different animals up close and being able to touch some of them.

 

 

Visited on December 2012

Same review posted on Trip Advisor

 

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Excerpt from http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2013/01/puerto-princesa-first-time.html

 

Crocodile Farm – now this is always a part of the city tour or a Palawan tour for that matter. Aside from the crocodile breeding farm, there is also a nature conservation park where one can see other animals. The park is like a mini-forest, but the animals are caged. Make sure you have some anti-insect/bug repellent on you. For people like me who attracts bugs, you will surely be a hit here!

We got the chance to hold/pet a baby croc, a bearcat, a hornbill and more, with souvenir photos to boot!

Since there was more to see here, we spent around 2 hours here.

Underground River Tour, Palawan

Since it's nomination as a wonder of the world, this tourist attraction has been really busy. It is even suggested to book months ahead to assure you that you can visit this when you go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

I booked our group's hotel and tours under island Paradise Tours and I do not regret it. Our permits for UR tour were secured even before we reached Palawan. But mind you, I booked everything 2 months ahead of actual visit date.

We had a side tour to Ugong Rock and had lunch before the UR tour, since our permits were secured for a 2:30pm slot. Once we reached the Sabang wharf, we still had to wait about half an hour before the banca ride. Permits were checked and the banca trips were controlled so as not to congest this nature. Upon reaching the island, there is again waiting time, checking of permits again.... Monkeys abound this part and we were warned not to disturb them.

When it was finally our turn to do the UR tour, we shared the paddle boat with 4 more guests because the paddle boat can accommodate about 12 pax. i will always suggest that one puts on anti-mosquito repellent as a safety measure.

Once inside the caves, you will be amazed at all the stalagmites, stalactites, etc. formation. Some are shaped like people, vegetables, pre historic animals, etc. The ride was about 45 minutes, our guide was funny and spontaneous.

It was really a wonder, surprised to have all of those images and natural formations inside the caves in an underground river. History, art and nature !

By the way, just for info, there is no swimming involved in this tour. You do not have to wear swimwear, but best to wear shorts because your legs and feet will get wet when you get off the banca,

Photo opportunties abound the attraction. If you did not bring your camera, no worries, there is a souvenir photo booth. :)

 

 

Visited on December 2012.

Same reveiw posted on Trip Advisor.

 



 

 

Excerpt from http://www.charmaineromero.blogspot.com/2013/01/puerto-princesa-first-time.html



 

Then it was time for the UR tour. From the wharf, one has to take the banca ride of about 20 mins. Permits are first secured which our tour guide had already done for us. The numbers of visitors are controlled, so early booking of months in advance is suggested (which we did through Island Tours). Ronald, tour guide, was continuously educating us about what to expect and what to know about Palawan and its wonders.

at the wharf

Once you reach the island where the Underground River is, you must again register first to control the number of visitors. There were monkeys all over the place and as advised, do not feed or disturb them. They can also be monkey thieves and are attracted to plastics, thinking probably that there is always food.

group at the Welcome sign

The actual UR tour via a paddle boat is about 45minutes. One will be amazed by all the stalactite, stalagmite and what-have-you formations that you can see. Guides were funny and entertaining. There are too many to mention things one can find inside the caves.

the UR tour

Being a tourist destination, photo souvenirs again are available here.



paddle boat ride