November Fairview finds Unli BBQ, Coffee and Filipino Dishes

HOT ROAST/Smoke Roast

We've been passing by this BBQ place from work going home and I've been curious as to what this place offers. They always have a smoke coming out of the Red Tent and I always tell Slim; "Anong meron?" They have signs of Unli lugaw and Inihaw na Liempo but I didn't know they have something more interesting. Thanks to my colleagues Chat group they were raving about this Unlimited Bbq place and it’s this Red Tent I'm curious about.

I was looking for the perfect opportunity to visit because if we go there lunch time I'm sure I won't enjoy it since its going to be hot and sweaty. It wasn't planned; we went out for a food hunt one night going to Maginhawa where almost all restaurants are closed and we almost went to a Korean Buffet at 2 a.m. in Timog when we decided to go home. 

Then he said why don’t we try this Red Tent in Fairview? So we did.

I got Liempo which is 99php and Slim got Inihaw na Pusit for 120php both offers refillable rice. I was tempted to try the unlimited BBQ for 199 but I thought that I might just have 4 sticks so I’ll probably try that some other time. They also have Isaw and different BBQ dishes.

Pusit and some Liempo from my plate No pictures for my plate because I was too hungry

I guess going here late at night or early in the morning is recommended so you can eat comfortably they are open 24/7 when I asked the cashier. The verdict, I love the liempo and it’s also a big slab of meat so you can have maybe 3 cups of rice. The Pusit is good just a little rubbery, but we like that it has lots of filling.  So I rate them 4 out of 5 stars!

J & J CAFE

For dessert I recommend trying this new café opened near San Benissa in Commonwealth Ave.  Slim and I went here Sunday afternoon. Beside the café is a car wash place but they are not affiliated so while having our car cleaned we tried coffee and their cake.

I like the red door entrance, its Christmassy and reminds me of the red room of pain!

Once inside I got excited, the place looks like a cabin. I like the decorations its simple and it feels like a good place to read a good book or write.

Red Door

I had their Best Seller Spanish Latte, Slim got a warm cup of Chocolate and my Sister tried Vanilla Frost and we shared a slice of Red Velvet.

Sorry for the ugly photo

I like the Red Velvet it's not too sweet. The cake is fluffy and moist. The Spanish Latte is also good, I like the creaminess and how the latte sits on my mouth after.  Slim and my sister gave me a thumbs up for their drinks, another thumbs up for asking if we like the coffee if we need more sugar or what.

Sample of their menu

They also have breakfast meals and Pasta's I'll try them when I go back. Price of coffee ranges from 50 - 130 and the meals I think is 100 so for me this place is a must because they offer affordable drinks and meals.

I rate them 5 out of 5 for the place, 4 out of 5 for the coffee and cake.

Favorite Area

Café Pamanna

We went here after our trip to Dasol. We were tired and hungry, we were supposed to eat somewhere in San Marcelino Zambales but it’s not the season of mangoes so we left hungry and disappointed.

Our lunch became an early dinner, I was searching for places that offers affordable Korean Dishes but we got here somehow. I was looking for something unique because they said it’s a Japanese, Mexican, Filipino Restaurant but the menu was ordinary

A sample of their menu

Brewing area

We ordered Sinigang, Pansit, Speculoos Latte and Calamansi Juice. Our order took maybe 15 minutes, the café is small but they have a bigger space outside. The food is good; the serving is for 3 persons but we almost finished it because we are too hungry. Our tummies were satisfied and felt recharged after. The Latte is okay, it’s not too sweet and I like the Cookie Butter after taste.

Our bill is 600.

Spot Ligaya

Dining Area

I rate this Café 3.5 out of 5. 

Why we prefer Private Pools in Pansol

 Hot springs are perfect during the Ber months or during the rainy season. Pansol, Laguna is usually our quick getaway when we wanted to have an affordable but private place to de-stress during the cold season.

Reasons why we prefer private pools than public:

1.       The kids can swim all they want without worries of catching a cold.

Water in Pansol ranges from lukewarm to warm.

2.       Minimal supervision of our valuables.

Of course we have to be vigilant and be mindful of our things but being in a private pool allows us to all jump in the pool at the same time and enjoy without worrying about our stuff and still have a big place to swim. No one has to stay dry and watch over your things.

Everyone is here

3.       Adults can act like kids.

There’s always a kid in us.

We don’t want other people judging us right?

4.       It’s not expensive as you think

Negotiate, that’s the trick.

You won't know unless you try

5.       We can ask them to empty the water and replace them with clean, warm water.

You rented the place, your rules.

Ice bucket (SAK0) challenge
Because the water is warm

6.       Bonding is a must.

Since you sort off own the place, relaxing and bonding with your friends or family would really happen.

Baby's first swim

Here are the resorts that we have tried and tested.

Villa JC

They have 2 pools. 1 for adults and 1 kiddie, the kiddie pool is really warm. They have basketball rings where you can play around. They also have a separate place for BBQ and a kitchen. The place is really complete. I like it here because the pool is clean it may look old but you will know it’s clean, the water is really warm. The bedroom is clean with A/C and the mattress is comfortable not soft, not hard but you can sleep on it. The restrooms are clean as well. They just have to put windows on the shower rooms because it can really get steamy that you can’t breathe.

Published rates:

OFF PEAK SEASON RATE
Weekend:
Overnight P 7,000.00 (Time 7pm to 7am) 
Daytime P 6,000.00 (Time 9am to 6pm)
1-Day P 11,000.00 (Time 9am to 7am or 7pm to 5pm)

Weekdays:
Overnight P 6,000.00 (Open time - 12hours) 
Daytime P 5,000.00 (Time 9am to 6pm)
1-Day P 10,000.00 (Open Time)

PEAK SEASON RATE Dec 15 to Jan 5 and March 15 to June 5
Weekend:
Overnight P 10,000.00 (Time 7pm to 7am) 
Daytime P 8,000.00 (Time 9am to 6pm)
1-Day P 16,000.00 (Time 9am to 7am or 7pm to 5pm)

Weekdays:
Overnight P 8,000.00 (Open Time -12hours)
Daytime P 7,000.00 (Time 9am to 6pm)
1-Day P 14,000.00 (Open Time -22hours)

THE PRICE IS STILL NEGOTIABLE (see I told you)

RESORT NI KARISA

My nephew celebrated his Christening/ Birthday here, the place is big. They have 3 A/C rooms at the 2nd floor, a billiard table and a restroom.  The resort has 2 pools (1 adults and 1 kiddie), a small pavilion, a small pool lounge and an area for party.

I really don’t like this place. Outside, it looks nice but as soon as I got inside the pool is dirty and gets cold quickly. They replaced the water but they didn’t clean the pool itself. The room is fine but the bed is hard it’s not comfortable. The restroom inside the room is really dirty. I had to use the one outside. There are a lot of flies in the area too so you always have to cover your food.

The care taker is an alcoholic as well. One thing that I like is they have surveillance camera.

Rates ranges from 10 - 12,000

Daniel’s Place

This is my favorite among all. It has 3 rooms; two rooms are A/C has 1 double deck, 1 queen size bed and another twin size bed. They also have a loft but you can still sleep comfortably. 1 pool with really warm water, kitchen area, dining tables outside and 2 shared restrooms which I don’t mind because they are clean.

This is just in front of Villa JC

Rates ranges from 12 - 13,000

The loft
Open air room

One of the rooms

The entire resort

Leberdin Manor

This resort has an elegant feel; it feels like it’s your dream house with your own pool. They have 1 pool and a Jacuzzi, with 3 big bedrooms. The water is really warm here. We celebrated Christmas of 2014 and enjoyed every bit.

Rates ranges from 10 - 12,000 (24 hours)

Sergi Ville

Slim and I haven’t been here but my family has been here many times and they always go back. This is the most affordable and the water is really warm. This is beside Daniel’s Place

*I don't the rates but I think it's less 10,000* (24 hours)

Xiana and Xandra

This is the most expensive of them all but it’s the loveliest. We celebrated Christmas 2013 here. They have 1 pool with 3 big A/C bedrooms, the pool  is clean, the place is clean but for some reason there are big flies roaming around maybe trash disposal? But I really like the place. They also have a bigger, more expensive resort called Xiana and Xandra 2.

Rates ranges from 20 - 23,000 (24 hours)

Anawangin, Camara and Capones Island trip

Is this our last trip for 2015? I hope not.

Capones Island

We were planning to go to Dasol but due to some unexpected circumstances we decided to go to Zambales. It was our Wedding Anniv, my parents and brothers car break-in so it’s a family trip once again. We are driving Toyota Avanza and Innova with automatic transmission.

Sunset Jumpshot at Pundaquit

We left Quezon City at around 10:30 a.m. passing Nlex and Subic via Sctex then had lunch at Subic while we waited for my Brother. We got to Pundaquit by 3:30 p.m. We probably stayed an hour and a half so travel time if you have your own vehicle would be 3 to 4 hours.

We check Pundaquit Luxury and Megan's Resort but decided to stay at Canoe Beach Resort. Pundaquit Luxury is okay but it’s far from the beach, with Megan's it looks like it’s not well maintained.

Canoe Beach Resort has its own pool and the facilities are clean. They even have a restaurant with affordable price. We booked 2 rooms without hot shower. We didn't mind showering with cold water the rooms are clean, they have a restaurant, we feel safe.

Canoe Beach Resort

Our room

Playground Area

Our plan is to go to Capones Island but it’s almost dark so we scheduled it the next day. We talked to bankeros outside. Canoe Beach Resort offers Island hopping services but to save money and for haggling purposes you can look for bankeros outside. I love the ambiance in Canoe, mountains behind you and the breeze is perfect. Just bring insect repellents to avoid mosquito bites, Pundaquit has a forestry feel.

Beach front

I love the colors of the sunset

More sunset jump shot pics

Capones Island at the center and Camara at the right

Gorgeous Sunset

Island Hopping services

A sample of their menu

My Mom and Dad left the next day because of an emergency meeting and we went on Island Hopping by 6 a.m.

We passed around Camara Island and the tide is high so we didn't check it. Then we went to Capones Island, I love it. The sand is a bit white but what I found is they are actually sea shells. There are portions where the sand is fine but we stayed on the side where the kids can swim. The water is clear too and we were the only ones at the Island for about an hour. We asked about going to the lighthouse but we were told it was an hour trek so after swimming and taking a lot of selfies we hopped on the boat and went to Anawangin.

Camara Island
Photo from my Brother

Capones Island
Photo from my Brother

 Photo from my Brother

Capones Island
Photo from my Brother

Clear Waters
Photo from my Brother

Sand is a little white with seashells in Capones
Photo from my Brother

Anawangin is a popular camping site famous for the white sand that was formed by the lahar ashes when Mt. Pinatubo exploded. It’s also famous for the pine trees that would let you think you are in another country. The trip from Capones took about 20 mins and when we got there all my expectations went down.

To the campsite

Campsite

Excuse our selfie

We were not informed about the 50 pesos entrance fee which is fine but we didn't bring cash with us. Probably the bankeros faults but they told the Anawangin authorities so we got in and will pay later. The place is ordinary, my Brother wants to camp another day but we have kids and babies with us so we didn't entertain the idea besides I'm not ready for camping.

Staying here because of the shade

There were a lot of pine trees in the camp site but I didn't like the place. Responsible trash disposal were not followed by some so it was really unsightly. It looks good in the pictures but there are so many trash around. We went swimming and the water is oily. The sand doesn't look white too. There were even orange bubbles floating that looks like puke. It was supposed to be breathtaking because of the Mountain Ranges, Pine Trees and the Sea but I think Anawangin is exploited. I prefer Potipot Island and Capones. I'm being choosy or what or maybe we were on the wrong side I don't know. I really can't tell what's the buzz about or maybe because we were 6 years too late when it was becoming popular.

The view is still amazing

We went back to the hotel after a few dips and talked about extending our stay for another day and we did. After eating breakfast at around 10 am we ordered lunch to bring at Capones. We plan on setting up the tent and staying there until 5 p.m. Hooray!

Back to Swimming

We only have 1 tent because my Mom and Dad has the other one but it was still fun. We found a spot under the rocks and after pitching the tent we had our lunch. We were told by the bankeros that instead of hiking to the lighthouse they will just dock the boat near the lighthouse.

We just have to go back

Pitching of the tent

They move the tent

Our lunch

It was a little adventure and we checked the South part of the Island passing a wild path with tall grasses. I was afraid of going there with the thought of snakes but I conquered it and it was a sight. The sand is finer with lesser sea shells but the beach is rocky it’s probably similar to Blue Lagoon or Casa Consuelo's side in Pagudpud. Slim and I stayed a bit, the sand is softer so it was a better camp site with shades from the trees.

The south side

I really like it

Again, there are a lot of irresponsible campers or visitors who leave their trash on the island. We should take care of our environment to preserve places like this. I want my children to see this in the future.

We went back to our camp site and swim some more. By 5 we packed up and went to the boat. We were expecting to go to the light house but the bankeros didn't told us that it will be dark soon and it’s hard to go by the lighthouse since Capones doesn't have lights. We were disappointed because they didn't tell us earlier. The bankeros are good people but I don’t know if they are quite shy in telling us information

The kids jump to the pool right away when we got back. The kids have been swimming 2 days straight now. Swimming at the pool and swimming at the beach when we went to the islands and back to the pool.

After staying the night we went home the next day and had breakfast at this American theme restaurant/Car Wash place called Double Suds then went home. The food is good but expensive. There were foreigners having breakfast so I guess their target customers are foreigners. It looks like a sports bar with sport banners and an area for Billiards and Table Games,

Sample of their menu

This trip made me realize that Luzon is underrated. There are so many beautiful places in Luzon. I know it's nothing compared to Palawan or Boracay but I feel it's taken for granted. And what's good about Luzon is its within our reach, you can even travel by car.

 

**** Our bankero Kuya Rodel 09328695409 ****

ESTIMATED EXPENSES
Day 1
Toll Fees		TOTAL
Min Ave Exit	45
NLEX exit to SCTEX	173
SCTEX exit SUBIC	168
TIPO	22
		408
GAS (Gas rate during this time is around 37 in Fairview)	1400	1400
ROOM	2500 x 2	5000
Lunch (for 5)	600	600
Dinner (8 adults, 2 kids)	1220	1220
		1820 (I don’t know how much my brother spent for Lunch since we meet in Subic)
Day 2
FOOD
Breakfast (6 adults, 2 kids)	800
Lunch with BEER	1600
Dinner	1000
		3808
ROOM	3000	3000
BOAT + Anawangin Entrance 50 each	3000 + (300)	3300
Day 3
FOOD
Breakfast	1000	1000
Toll Fees
Min Ave Exit	45
NLEX exit to SCTEX	173
SCTEX exit SUBIC	168
TIPO	22
		408
TOTAL		21964

***Slim and I spent about 8000 for 3 days and 2 nights.  If you are a family of 10 you can budget 21000 but if you are with your friends of 6-8 you will spend about 3000 - 4000 each if you have your own car.***