Krung Thai

In the heart of Marikina  lies a hidden restaurant like no other.I visited Krung Thai after my  tiring trip from Coron. A friend of mine invited me over to eat out after a stressful shift. I asserted to eat at Krung Thai in Marikina to make the dine out more exciting. Both of us was not familiar with the place but because of our determination we were able to locate the restaurant.

The facade

At first I didn't recognized it because it was situated in the public market of Sta Elena. I've been reading reviews about Krung Thai on the internet, that aside from it's authentic Thai recipe it was also inexpensive.So let check what it has to offer. =)

Inside Krung Thai

We were the only customer that late afternoon.I didn't pay attention too much on the ambiance i twas just plain and simple. 

The menu

When the waiter  hand to me the menu I already knew what I want. Thai iced tea, pad Thai and crispy catfish.

I'm craving for those food for over a month now. However the waiter went back after 3 minutes informing us  that  the pad Thai is not available.I  scanned the menu again and order the bagoong rice instead.But wait there is another bad news the Thai iced tea was also out of stock. Huh?! impossible, Surely it’s extremely odd but  no choice.

The only consolation was our food served hot and quick. 

Bagoong rice P128

To die for. Tender meat with sweet and sour sauce, egg omelet cooked just right,  green mango strips with nuts and onions and the jasmine rice sauteed in bagoong. Truly delectable.The star of our table.

5 spoons for this dish

Crispy catfish with mango salad was another signature Thai recipe. The serving was good enough for four.This salad appetizer taste sweet, sour, salty, nutty and spicy hot.It was both look and taste good.

Crispy catfish with mango salad P243

Thai spring roll 3pcs P89

No difference with the spring roll serves locally, but for the P89  it was a good deal.We spent around P560, not bad. The only disappointment was the pad thai and thai iced tea but overall t was a nice experience

Krung Thai 

G/F Marikina Public Market, W. Paz cor. M. Cruz 

Sta. Elena Marikina

646-4041 



Coron Loop 2nd day in paradise

 For my 1st day in Coron click here =)

The loud  alarm  coming from  my mobile phone woke me up at exactly 7am. My second day to paradise, and the much awaited Coron loop tour.I packed my things and went immeidately to the nook insode the lodge. I need to move fast the tour will begin in less than an hour. Though I feel worned out from yesterday's trek im still jubilant. 


Like my usual day in Manila I started the day with a cup of coffee and  Lucky me La paz batchoy that my hubby gave to me before I left Manila. I need stamina for this  whole day trip.I quickly finished my breakfast and contact Mae Linsangan from corongaleri.

pleasing view while having breakfast

Corongaleri is one of the travel agencies in Coron Palawan  that gives tourist cheapest way to explore the island. The join tour range from P650-1500 each.It includes entrance fees, tour guides,boat and packed lunch.Mae and Al are popular in Coron, Their tarpaulin can be easily seen in the entire town.We choose the P650 tour We opt to add Skeleton Wreck for P100. By the way snorkeling mask not included but can be rented for P100.00. 
The tour started at exactly 8:30am after a short briefing in the office we walked down to the wharf. 

THE P650.00 tour:

1. Kayangan Lake  
2. Twin Peaks Reef 
3. Twin Lagoons 
4. Atwayan Beach 
5. CYC Island   

 Approaching Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines(entrance fee P200). Located in the northern part of Coron it is a must experienced spot. To get there you need to climb a steep slope on the side of the mountain and get down to see the lake . The view from the top is sublime, truly enchanting. There was also a cave on top but our guide advised us not to go inside.According to him the Tagbanua's occupied the cave as a shelter during storms.  The lake itself is vast. The water is very clear with small fish abounding. 

under water video of Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Cave 

Most photographed spot in Coron Kayangan Lake view from top

abundant fish in the lake 

Twin Peaks (entrance fee P50) is a snorkeling site.Abundant corals and colorful fishes under the sea. I feel like im inside a huge aquarium.It was mesmerizing.We spent 1 hour at Twin Peaks but because of strong current out boatman/tourguide decided to leave immediately.

approaching twin peaks

Niko at Twin Peaks

colurful corals

I found nemo =)

The next stop is Atwayan Beach (entrance fee P100) White sand beach with cottage on the coast.We ate our lunch here. We had grilled fish, tomatoes and onions ensalada and lechon kawali, prepared by our boatman. After meal I took a quick nap. The sweet melody from the guitar woke me up.The locals were singing.and I gladly listened.We had a little chat and I found out that the government gave them this place to take care of.The entrance fees that we paid was divided on the number of Tagbanuas living in the  barangay.

approaching Atwayan Beach

nice work Niko !

it was a relaxing view

What is this fish called?

It was  a quarter past 12 noon when I heard our tourguide voice again. He was calling me and Niko since we are on the far end side of the beach. Its time to go he said. I hopped in the boat again and asked if where is our next destination.

CYC Island is our next stop. (free entrance) The tour guide  was continously talking and informing us what happened to CYS Island. The look from afar was not appealing after all. It was a government owned  he said,  no  one is taking good care of the island. The boats are not allowed to go nearby the island since there was a lot of mangroves and jellyfish.Not safe according to our boatman.I am tired honestly.I didnt joined the group. Im saving my energy to our  last 2 stops. Besides, I can taste the salty sea water I dont really liked it. 

 

 CYC Island

 

Our 5th destination is Twin Lagoon. It was surrounded by huge limestone formation called Mt Calis.It was filed with saltwater and freshwater.To get to the other side of the lagoon we need to pass through a narrow opening only visible during low tide. It was 60 feet deep. Inside the small lagoon there were a lot of plants clinging on the grey limestone. 

Inside the small lagoon

The passage to the other side of the lagoon

that's me =)

The  of us decided to add siete pecados to our itinerary. We just need to pay the entrance fee. However our boatman said since it was already late we might not enjoy the spot due to strong current or huge waves. So he suggested Skeleton Wreck.

Skeleton Wreck (entrance feeP100) another snorkeling site just across Atwayan beach. Highly recommended because of its stunning coral and ample number of fishes.Superb underwater scenery. Among the other destination I've been too this is the best.Using my snorkeling mask the tip of the of the ship wreck can be seen easily.

skeleton wreck

 

unforgettable experience

After a long and tiring day, I suddenly missed my bed and pillow way back home. The trip was worth it. For P650 tour and P100 snorkeling set rental fee, this is the best tour I ever had. How I wish we have plenty of time, to explore more fascinating spot in Coron. Anyways here is the summary of my expenses for day 2

Tour for joiners P650.00
Snorkeling rental P100.00
bottle of cola - P15.00


The dinner that night was hosted by Aling Cely the owner of Krystal Lodge. She cooked munggo and fried fish for us. Yehey!! we saved almost P100. I personally want to thank Mai, Aling Cely and Krystal Langit for making our stay extra special in their lodge, as a matter of fact we are the only filipinos cheked in during that time. They gave us tips and suggestion all through out our stay. 

for cheap tours please contact

Mae Linsangan of corongaleri
http://www.corongaleri.com.ph/
contact numbers

0920-2546553 

0915-2543246

Buy one, take one T-Bone steak for only P99 at Slice N' Dice

click here to purchase 

Golden Rules

• Coupon(s) valid from Dec.1, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2011.
• Unlimited coupon use per visit.
• Dine-in only. Rice and drinks not included.
• Coupon(s) accepted only at Ali Mall branch, Araneta Center (Cubao)
• Inclusive of VAT and service charge.
• No cash back if unused.
• Call 02-5421880 or  09062549658 for reservations on WEEKENDS.

Highlights

• Of American origin, char-grilled T-bone steaks topped with rich steak gravy
• T-bone steaks are the rich man’s indulgence

Goodles P100 Anniversary Promo

Goodles is celebrating their 1st year anniversary today. Yey!!! Congratulations !!!!The good news is they will be giving away 30%- 40% off on their 3 best selling flavors.

The 3 pasta flavors will be available only on a specific times. (take note)

1. Pesto Cream al Funghi (original price P175) is a creamy mix of pesto, mushrooms and farfalle noodles, will be available from 11am-2pm


2. Seven Layer Lasagna (original price p175)available from 3pm-6pm
   
3. Grape Carbonara(original priceP165) from 6pm-9pm 3

Valid for Dine in and Take out only

http://www.ilovegoodles.com/
4th Floor of Robinsons Galleria Q.C.

Double Down KFC

KFC launched the double down sandwich here in the Philippines. Yey!!!I've been following KFC fanpage on my facebook and read so much about it.People raving about the double down sandwich. To satisfy my curiosity I visited KFC SM North. The crew greeted me cheerfully as normal and I replied with a big smile .She took my order but right after I mentioned I want the double down sandwich, she immediately apologized because it was all sold out.

Unhappy, I thanked the crew and walked away. I can go back tomorrow I said to myself.

The following day same scenario SOLD OUT!

Only today I realized that I haven't tasted the double down. My colleague Sen invited me for lunch. He said he want to taste the double down. I remembered I wanted it too about two weeks ago.But, I totally forget about it.I was so frustrated since KFC Philippines didn't ordered or probably did not allocated enough stocks to their branches.

But this day is different, at last Double down is readily available.

Ala carte price P103.00

My impression, Too salty. I took my first bite savoring it taste. The chicken meat is tender. The 2 strips of bacon is half cooked. The cheese is melting on top of the bacon. This may sounds good but I will still advise to eat it along with a cup of rice. (well that's for me).

I think it's a little bit pricey for the size.It's quite small. (bitin) My lunch turns out to be satisfying, still thanks to KFC for bringing double down here in Philippines. For sure many filipinos will rave bout it.

photo courtesy of kfc.com

http://www.kfc.com/doubledown/://

Coron Palawan Chasing Sunset

The three days stay in Coron was really not enough :( Originally we are a group of four, however for some strange reasons they all backed out.Too bad, but I don't have a choice but to continue the trip.

Three month's prior I've contacted Miss Mai of Krystal Lodge and booked 2 nights for our accommodations,She was very helpful and pleasant all the time over the phone. I cannot just cancel it. Not on the last minute, you see everything is well organized. From the tours up to the accommodations, even the the land transfer. I've exerted too much efforts not to say the amount of money I spent to topped up my cellphone and call them one by one for couple of times.So, I really cannot let this opportunity pass not this time.

God was so good, I was praying to keep me safe all the time especially when Im in Coron. But instead he gave a travel buddy Niko, my team mate. =) now I will not get bored and I will also have someone to share my expenses. Yey!!!

me and niko =)

I left home at exactly 5am. Honestly I don't have extra to spare.I'm on a tight budget. I only have 2500 pesos in my pocket.Good luck to me =), so riding the cab is a big no-no. I rode fx instead for 25 pesos ( novaliches to trinoma). Good thing i have my MRT card ( I borrowed from my sister) so I saved 15 pesos. From, Pasay taft I hailed a jeepney and specifically asked the driver if it will passed NAIA terminal 3, he nodded and I hopped in.Im running late on my
7:00am flight, its already 6:15. At exactly 6:20 im already inside the airport, but niko was nowhere to found. I texted him twice he never replied back im so pissed that he will not show up. Its already 6:45 when he texted me "sorry " im on my way. Shucks, I knew it. He's late and he was always like that . I approached the airphil staff and asked if there is any changes on my Busuanga flight. He said it was delayed. Yay!!

Glance of Coron

Aerial view

I've waited for 3 more hours, but that was all obviated when I saw the aerial view of Coron. It was stunning. I'm so excited!It only took 40 minutes from Manila to Busuanga . After we disembarked there was a shuttle parked outside the airport that will transfer tourists and locals to Coron town proper. I paid 150.00 for the transfer. The journey going to the town was scenic. I was so impressed.

road that leads to town proper

The driver was very accommodating . He said we will surely enjoy Coron. He dropped us in front of a narrow lane, he said go towards the lane and until we reach Krystal Lodge. We walked towards the wooden bridges and we saw Krystal lodge.The hut was situated in the sea. It was well ventilated and spacious. The price was inexpensive too. For 600 pesos per night with free wifi and overflowing coffee and tea I can say it was a good deal.

The alley going to the lodge

Our cottage

Hammock inside our cottage

Dining area

our comfy room P600 /day

Coron Boulevard
Mai met us on on the lobby, She greeted us warmly and hand us the key of our room. It was well decorated.Native style with a mosquito net. Very lovely. Niko and I didn't wasted any of our time. We headed to the local market to find something to eat. We walked inside a small eatery, I ordered eggplant omelet (P20) 1 rice (P10) and a bottle of coke (P10.00).After our late lunch we went back to the lodge to rest for a while. We had a little chat with the owner Aling Cely. She told us how the lodge started way back 1994. Eventually we are so lucky because she just got back from New York couple of days ago. She even gave us a bar of chocolate. Weeeee!!!!

Mt Tapyas

By 4pm Niko and I went to hike Mt Tapyas. The highest peak of Coron. We gave ourselves 2 hours to climb MtTapyas. The road that leads to the stair was so steep haaay. According to Mai it was a total of 700 steps. Gosh so tiring, It's a battle of fittest. And not to mentioned the endurance. The beautiful glowing sun set slowly bidding goodbye to me.

chasing sunset

I made it before sunset

my sunset shot

It took me 1 hour and a half but its all worth it. The view from the top was spectacular. In addition the sunset view was magnificent!Looking around I can now see couple of people witnessing the glittering sunset. We stayed until 6pm, after I regained my strenght we heeded down to visit Maquinit hot spring.Mai also mentioned that it will be best to pay a visit to Maquinit hot spring after a tiring trek. She also mentioned that we need to rent a trike because the hot spring is located in Barrio Maquinit around 30 minutes from the town. The driver will also wait for us outside. Trike (P300.00) entrance at Maquinit Hot spring (P100.00)

it was really hot about 38 degrees

The soothing temperature in the hot spring is enough to relax my tired feet and legs. Afterwards we went to Kawayanan Grill as per recommendation by our trike driver.The food was okay, for me there was really nothing special with the food but the ambience is superb. The food is costly too. We ordered Kare kare(P250) rice (P20) Pitcher of iced tea ( P180).

iced tea P180.00
inside kawayanana grill


dinner inside bamboo cottage

Though it was an expensive dinner I guessed we both deserved it after a long and tiring day.
That concludes our day 1.
for my 2nd day in Coron click me 

Summary of expenses (2500)

Fx from Novaliches P25

Jeep from Taft to NAIA P7.00

Terminal fee P200.00

Land transfer P150.00
Late lunch P40.00

Bottled water P20.00

trike rental P300.00 /2 P150.00 each

maquinit hotspring entrance P100.00

dinner at kawayann grill

kare kare P250.00 /2 = 125 each

rice 20.00

iced tea P180.00/2 90.00 each

total expenses P827.00 for Day 1

I still have P1673 to spend tomorrow

Krystal Lodge Coron Palawan (under new management)

contact Krystal Langit 0949-4922379

Land Transfer Kuya Johnvic - 0921-2727862

City Tour contact Ador 0909-9386526

I highly recommended them all. They all played a major role for this day 1 tour .All of them are courteous and decent.