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Chasing A Typhoon in Puerto Princesa?

January 10, 2013

A typhoon hit Palawan the day before our arrival. The same typhoon was expected to move out of the province late afternoon of our arrival. And so with fingers and toes crossed, our group of 9 pax trooped to the airport ready to be crushed. All those weeks of planning for this family vacation wasted? Not so for this group of intrepid travelers.

On the airport bus, we were asked to get off and wait for further announcements. After over an hour, we boarded the bus to the plane, and flew out of Manila. Just a 2 hour delay.

Our flight out of Manila was delayed by 2 hours but we had a good flight and landed safely in Puerto Princesa. The Underground River Tour was cancelled though so we decided to rebook on the day of our departure instead. This was the wisest decision we ever made. There was time to drive north to El Nido, hop around the many islands, drive to the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang and then drive back to Puerto Princesa early morning of the day of our return flight to Manila.

This is Buenavista where we made a brief stop to take photos before reaching Sabang Port.

This is Sabang Port. Those small boats literally “flew” over the waves and swells of West Philippine Sea aka South China Sea.

Just 2 stopovers on the day we were to fly out of Puerto Princesa. A pee-stop in Buenavista, then on to Sabang Port where we took the boat to Saint Paul Subterranean Park. Not my first time, but it is for my family and some friends making up our contingent of 9 pax. West Philippine Sea was far from calm, but we braved the short boat ride. Mercifully, the monkeys and monitor lizards “guarding” the boardwalk in the park were tame and didn’t add to our anxieties.

This monkey guarded the entrance to the Underground River Tour.

The Boardwalk towards the mouth of the Underground River. Watch out for monkeys and monitor lizards.

I purposely didn’t tell my family how the Boatmen cum Tour Guides conduct the Underground River Tour. The “spiel” on the rock formations inside the cave is a carefully crafted one. Tinged with witty humor, it was no surprise that our group thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious narration on the stalactites, stalagmites and the colony of bats inside while doing the slightly more than a kilometer boat ride. The entire length is not open to the public, but the kilometer boat ride is enough for the slightly over an hour’s tour. Hailed as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, my family and friends were only too happy to have experienced this adventure and visited this heritage site which renders every Filipino proud.

All set and ready to enter the Saint Paul Subterranean Underground River.

An interior shot showing another boat of tourists with our light focused on some rock formation.

The references to Sharon Stone, a variety of fruits and vegetables, animals and holy images were most interesting. Amazing how natural forces like water and wind shaped these rock formations to resemble such. As we sailed out of the cave, we met other boats filled with tourists sailing in. Our guide remarked we were 10 coming in, and now number 9 going out, with a request for the next boat to pick up our missing companion. I’m sure it’s part of the script. I’ve heard that spiel before, yet I laughed just as hard like I heard it for the first time. 🙂

Inside the Cave. And yes, Martin, this is right inside that limestone mountain you saw outside!

The Holy Trinity.

Is it a coconut husk?

Towards the exit.

Tags: Heritage Site, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, St. Paul Subterranean Park, Underground River, UNESCO Site

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KA INATÔ : A New Food Find in Puerto Princesa

Filed under: Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 5 Comments

January 9, 2013

Ka Inatô was a surprise waiting for us. It wasn’t planned, but Ka Lui was closed on the day we arrived in Puerto Princesa City. Our 3rd disappointment after a flight delay of 2 hours and a cancelled Underground River Tour. Our van driver suggested lunch here before our northbound trip to El Nido. Well along the way, Ka Inatô is in Rizal Street just as you approach the exit out of the city center.

Ka Inato along Rizal Street just as you approach the exit out of Puerto Princesa City.

Interesting wooden sculptures. Very artsy.

I’ve read somewhere that Ka Lui partly owns Ka Inatô. If true, it explains the “KA” in the name, the ambience and the food quality. It’s unconfirmed, but let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised. I wanted my family to experience dining in Ka Luí but the place was closed. So was Kinabuch’s. My apprehension over Ka Inatô was completely wiped out upon seeing the place. Very charming. Very artsy.

Open air. The wind chimes add to the rural, carefree ambience. I love how this resto was laid out. Simple decor but each item placed somewhere with careful thought.

This corner reminds me of a rural sari sari store. The paintings are of children exuding innocence and fun.

The “open air” atmosphere added to the ambience. The wooden sculptures, paintings and hanging chimes all combined to give a local flavor. We were early for lunch so it was not a problem choosing a table. Judging by the menu, the place caters to all clientele. Pinoys would love the local cuisine. As well as the seafood dishes. Then there are pasta dishes for the foreigners …. and for the teenager in our group. Fruit shakes and frothy iced teas complete the deal.

Somehow, I feel like I’m in some gallery somewhere in Angono, the art capital of the Philippines.

Service quality was likewise commendable. The service crew was most attentive despite our indecisiveness over what to order. Bless the children in our group who knew exactly what they wanted to eat while the adults agonized over what to order.

Love the colors and the layout of this resto!

Everywhere you look, there would always be a piece of art inviting a lingering look.

Art surrounded us while we waited for our lunch. Somehow, I felt I was in some gallery in Angono, Rizal. There were enough art items inviting our attention. And the food didn’t disappoint. LUNCH!

Freshly-grilled stuffed squid, shrimps in some savory sauce, steamed veggies wrapped in banana leaves, grilled fish with vegetable sidings. Yummy lunch!

This is their signature dish. Chicken Inasal to many. Inato here in Palawan.

The Pasta dish didn’t disappoint too!

Ka Inatô’s signature dishes include their local inasal (called inatô) or grilled chicken. But we won’t be deprived our seafood favorites and guilt-diffusers like steamed veggies. The kids ordered their favorite shakes and iced tea. I have to say that food presentation pleased the senses. Simple. Not exactly a cut above the rest, but for the price tags, I’ve got to say Ka Inatô knows how to please their guests.

Fruit Shakes and Frothy Iced Teas!

Cheap! Value for Money, indeed. But we should have ordered the other signature dish….Sinuglaw. Combination Sinugba (grilled) and Kinilaw (local ceviche)

And there’s more at very low prices. There’s a meal for every budget !

By the time we were done with lunch, we were all smiling in content. Notwithstanding the long drive, we were all raring to get into the van, all psyched and longing for a long afternoon nap. Aaaaahhh, never underestimate the power of a good meal. Uncomplainingly, the children claimed their seats in the van and snored away. 🙂

Tags: food porn, Food Trip, Ka INATÔ, Palawan, Puerto Princesa

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WORDPRESS FIREWORKS IN 2012

Filed under: Food Trip, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels — 14 Comments

January 2, 2013

Aside from “Travel Blog“, I also maintain a “personal blog” site in WordPress. Lifeisacelebration has surpassed the 100,000 views in 2012 even if I dare not call it a travel blog. Lifeisacelebration chronicles my travels, my food adventures, and…… my musings and ramblings. There is more “writing” in “TravelBlog” while I simply just blah-blah’ed my way through wordpress. These 2 sites are my stress-busters. Truly, writing provides solace. I’m a writer, not in the professional sense, but I simply write a lot. I write when I’m overflowing with joy. I write when struggling out of affliction.

Photo Credit: WordPress

Another Photo from WordPress

I found it interesting that my most viewed blogs involved domestic destinations I visited even before 2012. I guess readers want to read Filipinos writing about the Philippines. And found these Philippine travel blogs more interesting than my 2012 trips to Spain, South Africa and Zambia. I was a prolific writer while living in Madrid. Over 40 blogs in nearly 3 months. I struck off African Safari from my bucket list and learned how awfully and totally wrong I was about Zambia. Yet….. Readers chose to read more my Ilocos posts — especially the one on Grandpa’s Inn in Vigan, Ilocos Sur — and that most controversial blog about a “collection of heritage houses and structures” in Bagac, Bataan.

Grandpa’s Inn in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Just a few steps from Calle Crisologo and Syquia Mansion.

Love those Calesa Beds!

I lament that our government does not take heritage preservation more seriously and consequently, take on the responsibility of funding restoration and preservation work. Funding is really, really essential. As I wrote in reply to a comment on my blog on “Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar” .

“I really hope something’s done about how best to preserve historical treasures. Either via legislation or a simple act of funding to take care of restoration work. It isn’t cheap and I can only sympathize with the owners that they’re unable to preserve the places for fellow Filipinos like you and I to appreciate. Mockery or not, money/funding is essential. That’s WHAT we should figure out to do so these owners don’t sell out to the likes of Acuzar.

We can rant all we want, but I’m too old for any hostility. We all love the same country. Cheers!”

Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar. Taken way before the place opened to the public.

Photo Credit: Romy Ramirez.

A Collector’s Dream, indeed!

Two of my blogs attracted controversy. Well, sort of, judging by the “hits” registered. The other blog is about the whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon. Some readers may have “generalized” ALL whale shark-watching adventure as contrary to animal and wildlife care and preservation. I was “harassed” by some wildlife conservation enthusiasts for even blogging about this. True, the one in Oslob, Cebu demands attention and outright condemnation, but this one in Donsol is way different and altogether more responsible! Even WWF wrote a piece about it.

That’s Randy, our Butanding Whisperer in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Photo from WordPress. Only my Philippine blogs topped the list!

Thus, I want to do more Philippine destinations this year. I have yet to trek Mount Pinatubo and brave the boat ride in the Batanes Islands. I must confess though that I hardly write for my readers. Please do not take offense. I honestly write to express myself, much like writing in one’s diary. That explains why I hardly give directions and expense accounts, etc in my blogs. When I give details on directions, history and other specifics, I confess it is more to store some data lest I forget how I got somewhere, what places I visited, what foods I enjoyed and what historical footnotes I wish to remember. But that is not to say I am not flattered by the stats and more importantly by the comments you took time to send. Being read by others from 142 countries give you a “high” and I appreciate them all. For all these, i only have this to say. Thank you.

Not enough views, really. But hey, I wasn’t expecting this. Salamat!

Alright. I’m no Jessica Parker. Nor a Julia Roberts. I don’t really agonize over my blogs. Once I get started, I just simply write away. Writing from the heart is like writing on one’s diary. Something I’ve been doing since I learned how to write! At the time, I would just DRAW on the diaries my mom gifted me with.

Tags: Blog Stats, Fireworks, Statistics, Wordpress

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MY YEAR-ENDER PHLOG (A Photoblog of My Life in 2012)

Filed under: Africa, Food Trip, Philippine Travels, Spain, Travel, travels — 2 Comments

December 30, 2012

It’s the last day of the year. In less than 24 hours, it’ll be 2013. And I have yet to firm up my travel plans this coming year. Been putting it off for sometime. For once, I’ve either run out of ideas or I have grown so confused on what I want to do the year I turn senior. So, I’d give it a rest. And for the moment, I’m looking back on how my travel calendar went this 2012. The photos show what kept me “busy”.

The Park Near Fort San Pedro in Cebu City

3 hours on the road, but no luck with tuki sightings in Oslob, Cebu

Just before I left for Madrid in February, I made a quick trip to Cebu. No luck with tuki sightings (whale sharks) in Oslob, so we instead toured the towns of Boljoon, Dalaguete, Carcar in Southern Cebu. In Madrid, I helped a niece set up house. Stayed nearly 3 months, and blogged every other day! Walked the streets of Madrid every single day. Visited way too many churches and museums. Lucky to be in all the right places to witness Holy Week Processions especially in Sevilla and Cordoba. Went on random day trips to Toledo, Avila, Segovia, Alcala de Henares, Valencia, El Escorial, Valle de Los Caidos, Aranjuez via car, bus and trains and planned a few weekend get-aways to Andalusia and Barcelona. In between furniture shopping, palenque trips and household chores, I was busy!

Cloudy Day in Parque del Retiro in Madrid

Day Trip To Cochinillo Country in Segovia. And Not Just Once.

Good Friday in Cordoba. Some religious procession!

Toledo, Valencia, Aranjuez, Alcala de Henares, Segovia, Avila, El Escorial, Valle de los Caidos, Barcelona, Segovia, Cordoba. Then there’s Plaza de Toros, Plaza Mayor, Almudena Church, Palacio Real, Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, the Museos of Prado, Reina Sofia, Morolla, Thyssen, Riza’s Favorite Haunts, Senado, Plaza de Cibeles, etc just around Madrid.

Photo Credit: Sarah. All my photos of this great monument were epic failures. Thank you, Sarah.

Spain was many things to me. I was alone often and my human interaction was limited to just a few hours a day. When I got back to Manila, I missed the daily walks and the solitude so much that I started on many solo trips to Chinatown, Intramuros, University of Santo Tomas, Batangas, Cavite, Pampanga, Bulacan, as well as trips to the National Museum, Metropolitan Museum and Ayala Museum.

The lovely Betis Church in Guagua, Pampanga

University of Santo Tomas. Oldest in Philippines. Oldest in Asia.

Before long, I left again. This time, to South Africa and Zambia. Cape Town and the rest of the Western Cape of South Africa did not disappoint. Well, except for the botched cable car ride to Table Mountain and whale-watching adventure. The weather did not cooperate, but luck was on us searching for the Big 5 and other beasts. Yes, the trip highlight was the African Safari. But I must say Victoria Falls in Zambia was such a delightful surprise!

In the kingdom where lions are kings, the males are def prettier than the mane-less females. Entabeni Park.

And if there is a Big 5 of the Safari — elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and cape buffalos, the GIRAFFE ranks high up there among the Lovely 5.

The Wildebeests of Entabeni Park. Just before sunset of the 2nd safari day, one of these served as early dinner for them lions. 😦

We kept still and quiet as this lone rhino walked ever so slowly, and passed the side of our safari jeep. (Look Ma, no protective bars!)

We had the best hotel in Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. Champagne and Oysters for breakfasts? Who’s complaining?

Our Biggest Surprise : Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. Double Rainbows were so uncommon!

In Zambia, it is a must to take that 25 minute helicopter flight if only for this vista! Zimbabwe on your left. Zambia on the right. That bridge spans both countries.

The African adventures fired me up so much I needed to do more than the usual day trips once I got home. My niece and I planned on a Mount Pinatubo trekking adventure but ended up spending a long weekend in Sagada instead. Not bad, especially in terms of many “firsts”.

Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave? At my age?

Roadtrip from Sagada through Bontoc to La Trinindad Valley

A few more day trips and …… a cemetery tour. And that was it for me in 2012. I should be heading back to Madrid, likely in 2 separate trips as there’s the May election and a grandson’s March graduation. I also have Myanmar, Laos and Hanoi in my mind. There’s a few more, but I will likely confuse myself even more. The only trip “fixed” for now is autumn and Christmas in Madrid in 2013. Before then, who knows where my feet will take me?

Scene from Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. Taal lake and volcano in the background.

Corregidor Island Tour for some history lessons. A 1 hour ferry ride back and forth from the Sun Cruise Terminal in CCP Complex.

Tags: Phlog, photoblog, Travel, travels, yearend journal

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Growing Old and Grateful

Filed under: Musings & Ramblings — Leave a comment

December 27, 2012

Here’s a link to more musings and ramblings posted in my other blogsite. Thought subject suits this site as well, so I’m sharing this with you…….

Growing Old and Grateful.

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The Day After Christmas

Filed under: Musings & Ramblings — 2 Comments

December 26, 2012

It’s the day after Christmas! But the festive mood is still very much in the air. After all, IT’S STILL CHRISTMAS elsewhere in the world. Greetings here and there, memories of Christmases spent here and there, family gatherings here and there. Thanks for the gift of technology, we were able to celebrate CHRIST-mas with loved ones ONLINE. 👍👍👍

A niece’s photo (first pic) of the neighborhood church I visited daily while living in Madrid brought in nostalgic memories. Such a powerful memory perfectly matching our sentiments this Season. Gratitude. Thank You, Jesus, for the many blessings. We may not be physically together, yet technology didn’t make us feel “separated”. We chatted as we prepared our Christmas dinners. We laughed as we donned our festive hats!

We all had a good laugh seeing how 2 sisters — oceans and thousands of miles apart — managed to don the same, IDENTICAL black dresses for Christmas Eve dinner. Not twins, but twin fashion sense. As I’ve mentioned to my nieces, fashion sense and sartorial preferences are not hereditary, but acquired preferences. Exposure counts. Much. Like my mom’s habit of shopping for 2 pairs of shoes or sandals bearing the same design — in 2 earth colors. Well, looks like we all picked up the same habit! On the other hand, there are families who simply dig vibrant hues and flashy clothes and accessories. Don’t blame the genes. It’s a passed-on lifestyle and fashion sense. Of course, there are some who “break through” — some for the better, others worse off.

Day after Christmas and some of us went back to work. The retired and “on leave” and “on holiday from school” continue to eat Christmas left-overs, review photos and videos, and simply bum round the house. So….. This is Christmas! Love it.

Tags: Christmas, Family, Family Reunions

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MANILA PENINSULA: An Urban Get-Away

Filed under: Don't Skip Manila!, Food Trip, Philippine Travels — 4 Comments

December 22, 2012

It’s nearly Christmas. And it turns out many urbanites had the same idea for this weekend. With traffic jams in nearly every corner within the metropolis, many Makati residents dared not venture out of the city for a weekend getaway. What’s next best then? A Staycation in Manila Peninsula!

There was a line of urbanites checking in. Can’t blame them. The Pen has always been a place “to chill” within the city. You save a lot on fuel (and time!) staying here. The pool is certainly not of Olympic proportions, but around this time of the year, the poolside is such a pleasant place to read your book, have a drink, and of course to swim. The same pool area and garden can be viewed from 2 of Pen’s dining areas : Spices and Escolta.

While the kids swim, there’s the option to check out the gym or the spa. Or both. This weekend, both are busy. So with the poolside bar. The cool breeze abruptly halted any prolonged stay in the pool. So out of the pool and back to the room. But not without passing the lovely lobby festooned with Christmas decor and a giant Christmas tree. As the band played Christmas carols, I was tempted to stay and order a mango daiquiri. The tea buffet was tempting too. 🙂

I remember bringing my “elves” here when they were toddlers. It was their “park” — only cooler (air conditioned), kid-safer (the 2nd floor area where the band plays is carpeted), and tops in sounds. Always, music from the lobby entertains. And with Christmas in the air, who doesn’t love listening to Christmas carols?

Tags: Makati Staycation, Manila Pen, Manila Peninsula, Peninsula Weekend, Staycation

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IS IT A MERRY CHRISTMAS?

Filed under: Musings & Ramblings — 4 Comments

December 20, 2012

It’s that time of the year again. Looking all around, and stuck in traffic jams all around the city, it certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

That’s the Airport decked in Christmas lights and decor!

Has it been a year? A granddaughter is well into her teens. Fifteen is a nice young age to discover new interests and develop friendships to last and count many years. It’s that age when shopping trips and watching movies are more fun with friends than with ahem….. family. Patricia’s artistic talent got her enrolled for summer class in SoFA and self-expressions found their way into her photography, sketches and t-shirt designs. Of the latter, she poured many late hours designing the shirt for her school batch — the Sophomores, as she did year-earlier for the Freshmen — and was rewarded with recognition and an award for best design. Reminds me of the time she designed her own dress to wear to her Grade School Batch Party. Sweet girl minus the moods……. And that occasional streak when she enjoys scaring her Mamu with a frog!

Anna Patricia and Her Frog. Now she knows what makes me jump!

I blinked. And the little girl grew up!

Martin turned 12 TODAY – – his last pre-teen year but remains our sweet, loving boy. Tall for his age, but never too old to charm his Mamu to bring him to Heaven & Eggs in Glorietta 4. Last week, he asked me to gift him with Polaroid film and promptly took shots in quirky, artsy “The Collective”. He is graduating from Grade School in March. Of course he didn’t fail to ask me to enroll him again for badminton lessons next summer. I remember how I used to dread meeting his teachers in school. Lovingly, sweetly, they’d invariably recount how “talkative” our dear Martin is. Mr. Congeniality, that’s him. This young gentleman also opens doors for his Mamu. At least whenever he remembers 😉 From food trips, Martin is now beginning to discover the joys of shopping. Scary thought!

Our sweet, charming boy. Martin never fails to get me OUT of my grumpy mood. A hug and a kiss never fails!

a Treasured Photo………

How time flies! Our “nest” is emptying out. NO, more like branching out……. to Sydney and Madrid. Birthdays and Christmases shared via Skype or FaceTime. Truly, Christmas is in the heart. Before long, I should be leaving to join one in Madrid. I rummaged through my files and found these photos of my girls. Back when the youngest was only 6 months old. I got them to pose nearly the same way on the same sofa in the ancestral house years later. It’s a treasured photo now!

Sarah and Yane on Facetime. Mayette at work. The Bautistas with Sarah on a trip to Corregidor.

And me? I’ve had my fill of adventures this 2012 just as my 2 blogsites each hit 100,000 views. Early in the year, I left and lived in Spain for nearly 3 months where I helped set up house for a niece. Back in Manila in May, in time to enjoy the last few weeks of Manila summer with the rest of family. Before long, I was off to a dream trip in August. Another one off my bucket list. South Africa and Zambia. All adventures fully documented, to include some domestic destinations which were shelved for the longest time.

Google “liliram” for my TravelBlog site. Google “lifeisacelebration” for my wordpress site.

Trips filed according to destination. There’s one for Spain. Another for Africa.

All told, it was another wonderful year. AND YES, IT’S A MERRY CHRIST-MAS!

Christmas cheer to everyone!

CHRISTMAS IS IN OUR HEARTS!

Tags: Christmas, Family, Holidays, Travels

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Going Ga-Ga Over Sebastian’s Artisanal Ice Cream

Filed under: Food Trip — 6 Comments

December 16, 2012

As soon as I heard Sebastian’s came up with Green Mango with Bagoong Ice Cream, I just couldn’t let a day pass without a trip to either Mall of Asia (near IMAX) or Podium in Ortigas Center.

My imagination failed me. Big time. I just couldn’t imagine ANY ice cream topped with “bagoong” – that very Filipino shrimp paste that’s a perfect match with green, unripe, sour mangoes!

Green Mango Sorbet Topped with Sweet, Warm Bagoong!

Say that again, Sam!

Not cheap. But hey, this is food art at its yummiest! Initially, I thought the idea ends with the look or presentation. Toinks! You’ve got to taste it to believe it. If the green mango with bagoong doesn’t do that for you, try the “Sapin Sapin”! I swear…… I only needed to close my eyes and actually taste the Sapin Sapin flavor in this ice cream. Both flavors were so good that I ordered the same when I visited a second time.

Sapin Sapin Ice Cream in all its yummiest and colors!

Purrrrrrfect to the last spoon!

As for my elves, they ordered the red velvet and the pizza ice cream. I admit I was disappointed they didn’t order the more Filipino flavors like “mangga’t suman”, “champorado” and “pastillas de leche”. Well……. There would be more visits for sure. 😊

A scoop of Red Velvet….. and something else (?)

Mangga’t Suman. Yey!

Champorado Ice Cream…………..Beats the Chocolate Granizado at Valor’s in Madrid! Hands down!

This Christmas Season, there are more flavor offerings. Who can resist “bibingka” , “puto Bumbong” and “quezo de bola” flavors? I’ve had several sets of balikbayans and foreign guests and I’m telling you, all these flavors are such hits! Thank you, Sebastian’s. You do us proud!

Bibingka Ice Cream, topped with……..what else? Shredded Coconut!

I’m giddy with excitement. Puto Bumbong flavored Ice Cream!

Should end every Noche Buena and Media Noche!

Tags: Artisanal Ice Cream, Bibingka, Champorado, Comfort Food, Food Trip, Pastillas de Leche, Puto Bumbong, Quezo de Bola, Sebastian's Ice Cream

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WABI-SABI: What Can I Say?

Filed under: Food Trip — 1 Comment

In an earlier blog, I shared our latest discovery. The Collective. Hip, Twisted, Quirky. In this complex located in Malugay Street in Makati, we found a number of food establishments lining the graffiti-filled walls. My “elves” took turns having their photos amidst all that art painted on walls.

When we first visited, my “elves” extracted a promise from me to head back to dine in this complex. They had their eyes set on Wabi-Sabi. Obviously a play on the words “Wasabi” and “Wala akong masabi”. The elves didn’t have long to wait. In a week’s time, we were back.

The tiny place had only about 5 tables. Menu spelled out on blackboards hanging above the counters and printed on hard paper much like many Japanese eateries. But it wasn’t at all ALL JAPANESE. For noodle soups, there’s a choice between Vietnamese Phô and Japanese Shoyu Ramen. Or one can choose the simple clear Miso soup. Vegetarians would love it here. The mushroom siomai was so good we had seconds. Then there’s the cuapao and 2 kinds of siopao. My elves claim the Milk Tea is sooo good. I was quite content with my Lemon Grass tea as well. Now, you’d likely wonder. Is this a food blog without the food photos? Well…….mi apologia. Those kids were quick to the draw! No chance to snap photos! 😄