Happy Veggie Restaurant, Binondo, Manila

Following my previous post about What to eat in Binondo, a guided tour organized by our friend Michael, I suddenly remembered eating at this vegetarian restaurant a couple of months ago when we were scouting for a parking space near Soler Street in Binondo. The food was so tasty that I didn't notice that what I was eating were actually vegetables. 

Happy  Veggie Restaurant, Binondo-Manila (sweet and sour eggplant)

What to eat: Binondo, Manila Chinatown

Whenever I visit Binondo, it is a never-ending journey of discovery and a test of self. The place may be a little overwhelming at first. You may find yourself one rainy June walking in an ankle deep charcoal-colored mud, inhaling that signature smell of sewers brought by the garbages in its now clogged but once magnificent canals, the super overcrowded streets especially during the "ber-months" (October, November, December) where you literally have to muscle people to get through the next shop, the hazard and hassle of finding a parking space or commuting during peak season and rush hour, and of course the constant mental battles between you and your anxiety attacks brought by fear of being mugged or falling prey to pickpockets. But, like many people who have fallen in love with Binondo, the secret to appreciating its beauty is to look beyond its rough facade and discover that there is a harmonious order well at play amidst the rowdiness (more like a dance) that a little open-mindedness, preparation and research can unlock. And the reward once we figure them out? ...definitely a unique experience, great value for our hard-earned money, loads of huge blue plastic bags filled with cheap items of almost everything and thanks to a Fil-Chi friend, an affordable food haven of chicken, eggs, teas and dumplings. Having mentioned food, let me show you some of the places our good friend Michael shared with us one Saturday afternoon when we roamed around to eat in the oldest Chinatown in the world.....^_^

Manila Chinatown's Welcome Sign

Travel Sto. Tomas Batangas: Rose and Grace Restaurant

My husband who used to work in the Sto. Tomas, Batangas, remembered his former office mates inviting him to this place after office hours whenever there's an occasion.  He said it seems to be the go-to restaurant of the locals. So when we saw their banner on our way to  Lake Pandin, San Pablo, I didn't hesitate to stop and try their special Bulalo (stewed beef marrow and ox tail with vegetable broth).

Special Bulalo - Rose and Grace restaurant

Batangas - Nasugbu - Kainan sa Dalampasigan

On our way back from our Calatagan trip, we decided to proceed first to Nasugbu town to eat dinner before heading back to Manila. Not wanting to eat in another fast food store and want to try something more local, we went ahead and followed the sign we saw along the road pointing us to "Kainan sa Dalampasigan" restaurant. Unlike it's name though, this restaurant isn't located near any shore so don't expect any seaside views while you eat ^_^.  I've read later on that the restaurant has actually been there for quite a while and many many moons ago has actually been near the shores. It turned out, the town has grown so much that some parts of the shores has been extended as a residential area. 

Travel Bohol part 3 - Baclayon Church, Tarsier, Loboc river

Our Bohol tour was arranged by my sister through our resort. Itinerary for the whole morning comprises of visiting Baclayon Church, it's museum, looking at big-eyed tarsiers and enjoying a sumptuos lunch at Loboc river. 

bell tower of Baclayon church

Travel Asia: Winter in Beijing, China Part 4 - (Where to eat)

When it comes to food, Beijing surprisingly felt like heaven to me, It's just like eating at Northpark every single day (Northpark is a famous Chinese restaurant in the Philippines) and being the rice lovers that we are, we were not disappointed with the many food viands that are really similar to Filipino dishes so we really felt at home. The price though might be a little expensive than Northpark especially if you're eating at those chinese restaurants or mini "turo-turo" near your hotels so sometimes, it's more practical to just grab a bite at Subway or Mcdonalds or at a food court if you're tight on budget. Or just buy some food from the many convenience stores in the area and stack some food in your hotel room for those midnight cravings like we did.

Travel Asia: Autumn in South Korea Part 4 - Nami Island

Autumn in South Korea: Part 4


NAMI ISLAND

Gapyeong Station

To get to Nami Island, ride the Korail train and get off at Gapyeong Station. From there, there are buses and taxis that are willing to take you to the ferries and then to the Island. I've found this blog budgettravel2korea  that gives you other options when commuting especially if you're not part of a tour bus or just in for a quick day trip. However, be aware that I have not personally tried them out. It would always be best to always ask and research ahead of time to make sure all the details are up to date and correct. It would also be best to check the Namisum hotel website that contains shuttle bus information or just call them up if you need directions even if you're not checking in.

Nami Island or Namisum Island which is also situated in the Gangwon-do province was not originally an island but was only formed when the water rose because of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944 . It was named after General Nami who was executed, together with his mother and faithful followers, at a young age of 28 because of treason, which was later found out was based on false evidence.  

Below is a poem supposedly written by General Nami when translated in English:

"I will cut the boulders of Mt. Baekdu until my sword is worn away,

                           I will water my horse with the waters of Duman River until it dries up,

If a man cannot subjugate an entire nation by the age of 20,

then no one will deem him a hero."

In 1965, Byeong-Do Min, donated two thousand trees to the island that included Cherry, Ginkgo, Redwood, Tulip, White Birch, and White Pine. The fascinating way the trees were planted and grouped plus the serene surrounding made it famous to tourists and artists. But the kick off for me was when I learned that this was the  place where the Korean teledrama "Winter Sonata" was filmed.  

On March 1, 2006, Nami Island was renamed Naminara Republic and declared it's cultural independence. An imaginary self governing country that embodies the hero General Nami's greatness. They issue and invented their own "passport" that serves us ticket to get to the Island, own currency, stamp and telephone cards. 

Immigration center of Naminara Republic

The Island boasts of its tolerance for artistic people. You can see it when you go around the island. They have their own art gallery, area for concerts and events, museum and a music hall. Even the groundskeeper shares his artistic side by forming heart shaped lump of leaves on the park grounds. You can't miss it, it's everywhere. =)

Korean pots display at the Nami hotel lobby

Our stay at the Namisum hotel is actually very pleasant, we have a queen size bed over a wooden platform and a huge window that has a clear view of the lake outside. It also has internet connection too but no TV (which I think is good because Dennis and I are always tempted to just waste away in front of it whenever there's one around). Instead, they provided us books found in shelves that contains Korean literature and Haikus. The perfect "soul" book for the place.

Dennis and me tree-watching

There is a map available in the hotel that can serve you well when exploring the island. Not being able to speak Korean or communicate in English to non-speaking Koreans, it is hard for us to order food with a Korean menu. So we always look for restaurants with pictures on them and just point out what we like to eat. (which is what we did mostly in this trip). We opted to go out even though there is a cafe restaurant in the hotel because we find their price a little expensive for us.There is an area in the island with rows of small restaurants that has just that when we scouted for something to eat. There is also a convenience right at the port where we bought snacks and drinks. We were told that they don't have 24 hr stores or restaurants in the island so we made sure we had food to eat if we ever get hungry.

Dennis eating a Korean street food

Korean Streetfood

Now, as I mentioned in the beginning of this journey in Seoul, this was the trip where my "then" boyfriend and "now" husband Dennis proposed to me. And, he couldn't have picked a better place. The place is quiet, romantic, and the time ---perfect.  =)

Sharing with you our engagement photos below. 

Our proposal picture

Engagement photo in Nami Island

To End, South Korea is actually a very pleasant country. Even if many people do not speak English, I would still come back and take the time to get indulged with its rich culture, learn it's history and get to know it's people and of course create more beautiful memories. Maybe someday, with our kids (?) 

Icar

go back to previous page or Travel page