CALEA CAKES - Unforgettable Cakes

After sharing my sweet notes about Contis cakes, my mind went sugary and prompt me to tell tale of my syrupy encounter of Calea Cakes. Cakes have been my indulgence, despite history of Diabetes in my family, I just compensate by drinking plenty of water to wash out sugar. Spread of mouth – that in Bacolod, one must try Calea Cakes to truly imbibe your vacation in south. Having the chance to tour Bacolod, I ensured to squeeze in my itinerary to satisfy craving sweet tooth of visit to Calea.

Doorway to Cake Heaven

On first day, despite exhaustion from traveling from airport to Ruins and Balay Negrense, I made no excuse to end the night without visiting Calea. I heard no complaint from my companions but everyone seemed excited. From Lopues, we took a jeepney ride with sign board “Mandalagan – Libertad”. There is also Calea in Robinson’s Mall but it was unanimous decision to dine at Calea Café in Lacson street fronting King Fisher Hotel.

Better take note!

It was quarter past 9 in the evening, yet patrons of Calea seemed unstoppable, outside the blue arched door were people waiting to get table. It took awhile and soon as settled, temptations begun and I ended up ordering – slices of chocolate cake, black forest and cheese cake with blueberry sauce, yep it’s all mine!

Better have decision making skill

...and more of decision making

I had my chocolate cake first – it was moist, the filling was rich, there’s a hint of bitter chocolate on icing with sweetness on perfect proportion. Next on line was my cheese cake with blueberry sauce – it was very home made, like my mom had prepared this for me with use of premium ingredients and drizzled with love. I took time out and gulped glass of water before I proceed on my black forest – there was no extraordinary with this one except for the assurance that you’re eating cake of high quality and standard simply by its taste. For three slices of cakes, I was charged for less than 300 php – theory turned out right, it has been tremendously thick and tasty icing on the cake!

chocolate cake, cheese cake and black forest

I had to confessed that the following day, I went to Calea – Robinson’s mall and had two (2) slices of chocolate cake again. Accused me of being glutton but I simply can’t resist. For now, I ask visiting friends from Bacolod to bring me home cake from Calea – yep, its possible, buy two hours before your flight and hand carry it – just don’t buy the ice cream cake!

don't forget to drink plenty of water

CONTIS CAKES - Your Premium Cakes

One Sunday evening my partner called and sweetly asked me to bring him home even one slice any of Contis cake. I had decided to buy mini strawberry shortcake for him and mini white velvet chocolate for my mom. I called Contis BF Parañaque branch and placed order for delivery. However, I reached cut-off time for delivery by 7 pm and was told that they do not deliver cakes and was advised to make reservation for pick-up, which I obliged. The problem visiting take-out counter of Contis is that cake display never failed to divert my original plans that I ended up buying regular size chocolate mousse and mini chocolate overload that had cost me 1,063 php.

Choco Overload Cake and Chocolate Mousse

 I was introduced to Contis way back 2007 when Regular size Mango Bravo was still priced at 670 php. I was on search for best Maother’s day present when our socialite finance manager at San Miguel Corp. approached me and suggested Contis cake and Mango Bravo in particular. Reputed to have a superb taste and money spending extravagant I simply ignored her suggestion. Reading Sunday newspaper on food and leisure section, I chance upon review on Contis Cakes and categorized Mango Bravo as one of the best in the Philippines. That same day I rushed to BF Parañaque and bought my first Mango Bravo from Contis.

Mango Bravo...Staple in Contis' Display

From then on Contis had been staple food on our table and never misses out any occasions. Expect our refrigerator with this box in yellow and green (red during Christmas) to occupy enormous space, If Purefood’s fiesta ham labeled as star of noche Buena, Contis cakes is hailed as star of birthdays in our home.

Door to Temptation

Contis cakes are priced almost the same as commercialized cakes. Furthermore, the designs are like work of art – simple yet exude class with its intricate designs. In terms of flavor, there is variation and the tastes stands for its claim – chocolates are chocolates, strawberry is strawberry, peach is peach and you’ll miss sugar with its light sweet note; size of cakes are of generous in terms of diameter and height without sacrificing quality.  What makes Contis more special is that you’ll exert effort to buy one – currently, they only have 6 branches (ATC, Katipunan, Serendra, Greenhills, Trinoma and BF Parañaque) and during holidays people do line up with number system and runs out of stock on unfortunate days.

Search the Logo in Green and Yellow

Working in food business for almost 9 years, Contis Cakes have continuously satisfied my standards in terms of quality and value for money. The best part is that it never failed to bring smile on faces as I bring home Contis Cakes. I share to you my top favorite cakes of Contis:

TURTLE PIE

A friend working under Research and Development of Contis had introduced me to this Turtle Pie – which she had developed. I like the way heavy fudge and whipping cream compliments each other. Best served with coffee, tea or tsokolate ga (regular: 575 php)

Turtle Pie

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Honey cake filled with layers of creamy vanilla icing and strawberries finished with whipped cream icing. When eating this strawberry shortcake, I first scrape off the vanilla icing filling and saves for last and attacks honey cake with whipped icing topped with strawberries. (Mini 395 php)

Mini Strawberry Shortcake

CHOCO OVERLOAD CAKE

In Contis, overload means – Layers of moist chocolate cakes with rich choco creams and icing topped with ganache and drizzled with chocolate syrup. (Mini: 495 php; reg: 775 php)

Loaded to the Max!

VIENNESE MOCHA TORTE

Layers of mocha-flavored mousse wafer and moist choco cake coated with rich mocha butter cream icing topped with almond sticks finished with chocolate ganache. (mini: 495 php; reg. 795 php)

Empire of mocha butter cream

MANGO BRAVO

The cake of cakes - Layers of wafer, cream and fresh mangoes coated with whipped cream icing, topped with fresh mangoes and drizzled with chocolate syrup (mini: 625 php; reg: 1,150 php)

The famous Mango Bravo....Bravo!

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort - Day Tour Itinerary

A month prior to my birthday, I had made decision to spend it the way I celebrated in Camiguin Island, but on cheaper note. The place should be somehow relaxing, surrounded with natural beauty, with great food and with something new to offer. I was eyeing Bataan, until a friend suggested that I checked on Villa Escudero’s website (www.villaescudero.com) as claimed, Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort has a worldwide reputation as a showcase for the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, offering a beguiling glimpse of its history, cuisine, dress, customs and natural beauty.

I was engaged on pictures of cottages being offered. There are riverside cottages and apartment style units; each individually designed using indigenous materials like bamboo, anahaw leaves and coconut lumber. Rates are based on the number of occupants per unit, the more the cheaper and are inclusive of three meals. I had decided for an overnight stay, but persuaded by my companions who had prior commitments on following day. Thus, we settled for day tour.

Transportation

It was raining the day before my birthday and it was blessing as the sun shines mightily that morning. We met at SM Dasmariñas, took the South superhighway and allowed to be guided by GPS. After 2 hours and a half we saw archway to Tiaong, Quezon – the very landmark to our destination and immediately turned left.

with some major errors we made it to Villa Escudero guided by GPS

 For commuters, there are several bus lines (Tritran and JAC Liners) at Buendia station take public bus with signboard: Lucena / san Pablo, while, in Alabang look for buses going to Lucena (or Bicol) just instruct conductor to drop you off at Villa Escudero.

Archway that serves as landmark to Villa Escudero

Allotted Budget 

P 1,400.00 – Day tour package that includes welcome drink, carabao cart rides, use of out door recreational facilities, museum tour, lunch at the waterfalls and cultural show.

P 500.00 – For gas (Dasmariñas – Villa Escudero – Dasmariñas)

P 100.00 – If you wish to go fishing while rafting on lake; you can take home your catch for free (optional)

P 75.00 – For souvenir developed photos taken by in-house photographers (optional)

P 10.00 – Fresh Buko juice; refreshments are charged at Labasin Waterfalls restaurant

 Day Tour Activities

AERA Memorial Museum

After registering and paying entrance fee, a lady in baro’t saya approached us and offered welcoming drinks – gulaman. The same lady escorted us to AERA Memorial Museum – a cathedral structure painted in pink and white. Entering arched wooden door, another lady in filipiniana requested us to surrender our belongings at baggage counter area particularly cameras for taking pictures is strictly prohibited. But, my conscience pleaded guilty as I placed my sony cybershot in my pocket and literally stole pictures inside the museum.

AERA Memorial Museum

Nobody was there to assist us; thus, we educated ourselves and allowed to be mesmerized with artifacts and antiques enshrined inside the museum. The core of the collection is its trove of religious art. The superbly executed silver altars, gilded carrozas, ivory santos and mostly collection dating from the Spanish colonial era - truly reflecting Philippines rich cultural heritage, history and natural beauty.

Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant

Done reminiscing the past, we goofed for a moment and had our pictures taken afar from the residential home of the Escudero’s (also painted in pink and white) and at bronze statue of the couple. Then enjoyed a leisurely carabao-drawn cart ride accompanied by musicians and singers serenading us with Filipino folk songs. On the way to resort proper, I just admired Ligaya – name of our carabao, of how strong and hardworking she is - no wonder they are hailed as “pambansang hayop ng Pilipinas.”

Admiring the Escuder Mansion - its off limits

Meet Ligaya - our carabao 

We took our lunch at the Labasin Waterfalls restaurant, a unique feature of Villa Escudero. Baggage counter was available to secure our belongings, but this time you can take pictures all you want. It was a breathe of fresh air, bamboo dining tables with banquet set up behind a bahay-kubo and all these with running water from the falls as backdrop.

At Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant

flowing clear spring water while dining

Eat-All-You-Can: Food served was all local dishes starting with vegetable salad (togue, hard boiled egg, baguio beans) in peanut dressing, rice wrapped in banana leaves, selection of viand from grilled tilapia, grilled liempo, guisadong pancit, kalderetang baka (slightly tough in texture), lumpiang gulay and squash soup in bao. For dessert, fresh fruits – watermelon and pineapple.  The dining experience with spring water running over our feet was truly delightful.

Eat-All-You-Can Buffet

had been my favorite

Bamboo Raft

Bamboo rafting at Lake Labasin

Its time to burn calories – I applied gained knowledge from rafting at Cagayan de Oro but this time paddling a bamboo raft at Lake Labasin. This I truly enjoyed.

It takes Two to Tango...Bamboo Raft

Recreational Facilities

All sweat from rafting we decided to beat the heat – swimming! There was a Jacuzzi and we spent sometime in it alternating with cold water from the pool. It was Friday afternoon and we owned the area, I guess everybody else was already watching the cultural show which we missed. There’s plenty to do – bicycling, tennis, karaoke, rural village tour, bird watching and a lot more, but, we had so much for the day and had much fun with on my birthday – celebrating in less cost.

a choice between cold water from the pool

relaxing warm water of jacuzzi

more goofing around

cultural show by yourself

Angel Fish Breeding

Fascinated with ornamental fishes, I had my parents bought my first aquarium for my 7^th birthday, initial residents were gold fishes and a janitor fish, with my excitement little did I know that I over fed them and lasted for only a week. This challenged me and I bought angel fish from my allowance and started all over again. I find Angel fish much easier to maintain as it can survive with varying water temperature and quality. College came and with lesser time, I eventually passed on my aquarium to my niece.

I had the chance to visit The Freshwater Ornamental Fish Aquaculture Park (FOFAP) located at Barangay Sto. Domingo, Bay, Laguna and is 2.5 kilometers from the National highway. The visit was part of my marine ecosystem exposure and had the chance to talk with Ms. Josephine T. Dela Vega – OIC Center Chief.

Welcome to FOFAP - Freshwater Ornamental Fish Aquaculture Park

According to ma’am Josephine, The DA-BFAR has identified the freshwater ornamental fish business as a possible export winner, given our country’s advantages in terms of abundant freshwater resources, large pool of skilled manpower and practicing entrepreneurs, advances in culture practices, suitable culture areas, and proximity to major international markets.

Spawning Area

During time of my visit, koi and angel fish are on breeding process which brought back childhood memories of my angel fishes. The building was comparable to a residential home, on second floor was the main office where we had short briefing and buko pie, while, the ground floor was the production area with aquariums in different sizes lined on walls.

Extension of Laboratory and production area

There are different types of Angel fish and we identified and able to name a few: Black Angel, Chocolate Ghost, Albino, Koi, Clown Angel, Golden Marble, Zebra Angel, Silver Angel and Half black. Regardless of kind, I was told they still undergo one breeding process.

The first question was how to distinguish a female scalare from a male one, since they look very similar? The answer was through their papilla – is a pink colored organ formed between the anal fin and the ventral fin. You will notice a small difference in the size of the papilla between the sexes. The angel fish with largest papilla is usually the female one. Her papilla will also be blunter than the males, when the female angel fish becomes gravid she will display a large bulge in the region around her papilla.

Second question was how do you pair them for breeding? I was told that angel fish are monogamous by nature - they form an exclusive sexual relationship, once paired up you can never pair them to another. A recommended way of forming a pair is to buy a minimum of 4 to 8 scalare and place them in one aquarium, where they can socialize and form their own pairs.

4 to 8 scalare in large aquarium for socializing

Third question was signs when they are ready for spawning? Scalare must be mature enough to spawn for the first time; they need to be at least 2 inches in size. To induce spawning, you should keep angel fish in a large aquarium, undisturbed and not crowded. Angel fish can survive with varying water quality and temperature, but it can make them stop eating and will inhibit breeding. Frequent water changes should therefore be performed and the water temperature kept between 27^oC to 29^oC.

matured paired scalare are ready for spawning

Fourth question was about food? FOFAP recommends newly hatched Brine Shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and are good first food for angel fish fry. However, they suggest that diet should be varied – mosquito larvae, beef heart, large brine shrimp (cut into suitable sizes). Even though angel fish must be given plenty of food, you must also avoid over feeding them. If you frequently find left over food in tank after 5 minutes of feeding them, it’s a sign that you’re over feeding them.

Shrimp brine fed by volume

Shrimp Brine

Spawning and angel fish egg and fry care? The easiest way is to put a special spawning slate in the aquarium before the spawning take place. In the case of FOFAP, they use a piece of smooth surfaced tile that can be easily removed afterwards. The parent fish will deposit the egg on the spawning slate, which will be fertilized with milk coming from the male parent fish. The eggs will survive a brief moment out of water when you lift them from one aquarium tank to another, but try transferring it fast as possible.

smooth surface tile used as special spawning slate

Newly deposited eggs are transparent or semi-transparent, with a pale yellow coloration. If the eggs are not fertilized, they will start turning white after approximately 24 hours. Parent fish lays 300 – 700 eggs in one spawning. Drops of methylene blue is necessary on tank where spawning slate witg eggs are transferred (until water turn light blue), methylene blue acts as antifungal since unfertilized scalare eggs will be attacked by fungus.

Newly deposited eggs

unfertilized eggs attacked by fungus

Fertilized eggs will begin to show wiggling fry tails on day 3, tadpole shapes with large yolk sacks will be visible. On the fourth day, you will be able to see tiny eyes on the fry. On 5^th day, the yolk will start shrinking; very soon the first fry will be swimming freely. During day 7, the fry will usually start getting hungry which you can start feeding them.

Day 3 - tadpole shapes with large yolk sacks

Day 5 - yolks started shrinking

MARINDUQUE - Holy Week Itinerary (day 2-4)

Day 2 – Good Friday

Daang Krus

My colleague and I was greeted with smell of fried rice and danggit, late from our agreed call time, we failed to resist our breakfast and ignored time. Our Activity for the morning was to participate in “Daang Krus” – is a re-enactment of Jesus’ way to Calvary or senakulo. The participatory stage was the whole town of Sta. Cruz, which starts at baluarte and ends at plaza around 12 NN.

At first, we do not intend to participate to the end, but the actors were into their characters that we felt part of the scene. Every station an angel narrates reflection of the scene and correlates it with our present lives, then, ends with a prayer. It was a unique way of senakulo that I myself was touched.

Prusisyon

The prusisyon commemorates the death of Jesus Christ

In the afternoon, locals were busy preparing for the 5:30 pm prusisyon. They wore uniform t-shirt with the face of Jesus with crown of thorns and walk barefoot. Good Friday prusisyon had a solemn feel due to death of Jesus Christ. Almost all locals and tourists joined that I was told, the start of prusisyon was already about to re-enter the church while the tail was just about to leave the church of Sta. Cruz. Prusisyon goes as they recite the rosary and it ends with solemn prayer to keep Marinduque safe from fire, typhoon, earthquake, flood and other disaster.

Participants wearing uniform shirts

At the end of prusisyon, locals tried hard to get piece of rope used to pull carriage carrying the image of Jesus Christ, it was believed to bring blessing particularly to fishermen for bounty catch. I was handed piece of it, which I kept in my wallet.

Mother De la Rosa

Piece of rope that believes to bring blessings

 Pugutan

By evening after the prusisyon was the Pugutan – was held in plaza, the story goes when Longinus was summoned to the court due to what he saw at the grave, he was then sentenced to be headed and he will escape and moryons will go after him. It was a long running but ends as Longinus was beheaded.

Day 3 – Black Saturday

I had learned that locals flock to beach to bathe/swim on Easter Sunday as to commemorate Christ’s resurrection. We have less time and there was an opportunity to island hop from Polo to Maniwaya free! They said that Marinduque’s beaches being an integral part of each seaside town are untouched with pristine and un-crowded shoreline. There are 17 – outlying islands that can be reached by native banca, an experience that can enhance vacation as it promised fine white sand beach ideal to frolic in the sun, crystal blue/green sea and a picture postcard backdrop of a real tropical island.

Polo Island

Welcome to Polo Island

Since there was available banca for free, we had no problem of hiring one. Polo Islet is approximately 30 hectares in Mongpong Strait, within the group of islands off coast of the North Eastern province of Marinduque, in the town of Sta. Cruz. Polo Island is a one-hour banca boat journey famous for fine sand and large, fish filled coral gardens.

Mangroves during low tide

We camped on shoreline of Polo Island under mangroves (low tide), while Ate Liza and her crew was busy preparing our lunch; I took opportunity to explore the island. There was no establishment in sight but of long stretch of fine sands with crystal blue waters. I feel happy surrounded by water, baked under sun, hearing waves against rocks and sand on my feet, but its overwhelming feeling of aloneness with nature, undisturbed and free.

Picturesque Polo Island

After lunch, during low tide I was thrilled to see school of fish, fish filled coral gardens, star fish of different colors and sizes, sea urchins both edible and detrimental a sign of richness and marine diversity of Polo island.

Sea urchin aka "catmon"

sea urchin aka "Salungo" ( two of my companions got stung)

Star fish everywhere

Fresh catch, I had this for lunch

Maniwaya Island

Maniwaya Island as sun sets

At past 3pm, we were informed that Maniwaya Island was no longer crowded, thus, we decided to transfer. From Polo Island it takes 30 minutes to get there. However, with the wind and challenge of avoiding rocks visible due to low tide, it took us 45 minutes. Maniwaya is another white sand beach still untouched by commercial developers; visitors simply come by to spend the whole day swimming and exploring the shore. I was fortunate enough to see sunset while at Maniwaya Island.  Electricity is by 5 pm only and by then generators are operational. We waited until full moon rises, lying on sand staring at the sky, I simply thanked HIM for the wonderful gifts and the experience I had. 

Best as campsite

undisturbed as it can be

Day 4 – Easter Sunday

I was up early by 4am to catch first ferry ride back to Dalahican Port to depart at 6:30am. Ate Liza and her husband were generous enough to drive me to plaza where L300 vans route to Balanacan Port are stationed. I was lucky enough to have a glimpse of their “salubong prusisyon” while waiting to depart.

I remembered Engr. Cesar Montante, a retired Geodetic Engineer who had worked in Marcopper. I was introduced to him on a Black Saturday morning, he was delighted to know I am visiting Marinduque for the first time, he said “welcome to Marinduque in the very heart of the Philippines and coincidentally it’s also heart in shape”. He then asked so far, how was your stay? I simply smiled for in my heart I fell in love with MARINDUQUE.