Nokinoc: Dining Spot in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan

So, this is one of my Palawan Treasures segment. Situated in Palawan's center (beside Corazon Tourist Inn) is Noki Noc.

Noki Noc Savoury House

A Palawan staple whenever I'm at Puerto Princesa because the food is affordable, relatively cheap and good. 

When I say cheap, I mean fastfood cheap. The prices are fair in relation to its bountiful serving.

Chicken and Palabok combo for 99 pesos.

You get a quarter of a chicken (e.g. an entire leg), some atsara, and a cup of rice for 99php. Fried chicken combo with Palabok also cost 99php. Not bad, right? 

And--not that it matters--water is free.

Water's free...

Oh, just a word of caution while eating their liempo meal: get a knife. I had a hard time slicing through the piggy portion when I ordered it (along with baked mac).

If I remember correctly, this probably cost between 99 php to 129 php

Mmmm... Baked Mac.

If there's one thing I didn't like while eating at Noki Noc, it's the Chocolate Mousse (95 php). It was just too rich and too sweet for me. I could barely finish half the cup.

It's a little too sweet for my taste, but I'm sure couples and groups of three would be fine finishing this large cup of Chocolate Mousse.

This said, I wouldn't mind gorging up a dozen Silvanas (35 php) because they got it made just right.

My favorite Noki Noc dessert cost 35 pesos and is worth every penny!

Bottom Line

Noki Noc is definitely a nice and convenient place to eat at. Sure, it's no Kah Lui or Kinabuch's, but the wide viand selection should put the pickiest eater at ease. It's cheap. It's bountiful, and the food's not bad.

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8 Places to Enjoy in Iloilo

Say you're on a business trip to Iloilo, or maybe you're just there for a quick vacation. Are you browsing the web for ways to enjoy your Iloilo vacation? Do you want to see some of Iloilo's tourist spots?

Here are just some of the places to visit when travelling to Iloilo.

"I am Iloilo" sign in the Iloilo Esplanade

Just so we're clear, there are a lot of great places to visit in Iloilo, especially now that Iloilo is preparing for the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Summit.

1. Iloilo Esplanade

Iloilo Esplanade Entrance Sign

Post Script:

This 1.2 kilometer esplanade celebrates Iloilo citizens' love for their river. It provides a functional, as well as beautiful venue that accommodates varied leisure activities open for all to use and appreciate. It also brings everyone closer to the water's edge, reconnects people back to nature and increases awareness of the environmental balance necessary for the city to sustain those who live within its borders.

A closer look at the newly paved pathway inside the esplanade.

The Iloilo Esplanade was created alongside the Iloilo River. It's a known shortcut from the highway to Molo. It's also a safer walking route to the Boardwalk which leads the path to Smallville, Iloilo's nightlife central.

Iloilo Esplanade's Beauty at Night

The Iloilo Esplanade is a great place for joggers and exercise buffs. At one end of the Esplanade (the one near  Zyron's), group exercise programs like Taebo and Zumba are being held on a daily basis.

The path to Molo and the entrance of the Riverside Boardwalk

2. JD at Huervana St., La Paz

Whenever someone mentions JD, they often refer to the famous JD Roadhouse. Unfortunately, their food quality has begun to decline. The last time I ate there, I was so disappointed with the Palabok (too little sauce) and their famous Baked Mac (too dry).

This JD Bakeshop is located in Huervana St., La Paz, Iloilo City

Then, I was able to eat breakfast at JD La Paz. Boy was my disheartening experience erased.

I just love eating at the place early in the morning. It's virtually empty.

For me, the best JD (in terms of food preparation) is located in La Paz, in front of the La Paz public market, along Huervana Street.

At the top portion of a picture is their new sandwich. I love it. It's way better than their JD Clubhouse Sandwich.

3. Plazuela de Iloilo

Sorry for the sucky picture. Hahaha. I took this shot with a Samsung Galaxy Y.

I've been gone for such a long time that last June, when I visited Plazuela, I was so amazed by the new additions in the place. There were enlarged colorful flower fixtures accompanied by bees and butterflies.

4. Teds at Iloilo

Teds is just Teds. It's famous for its batchoy. I personally don't like eating batchoy, but I'm sure the adventurous palate would beg to differ.

5. Sharetea in Smallville

Okay, so it's not all about local restos. I know Sharetea isn't from the Philippines, but I'd be damned if I don't include them in this list. I would rather drink in Sharetea than in Iloilo's damned Starbucks anytime.

Sharetea is located inside the Smallville Complex. My favorite drink is the Ice Blended Cocoa with Ice Cream. 

Yes, bitter ako because we've had multiple undesirable experiences with them, ranging from a Frappuccino with too much sugar to an over-charged "dagdagan mo ng cream" request.

Ooops! Sorry, wrong tea. Although, my usual Sharetea order does remind me of my favorite Chatime Mousse drink. Mmm...Chocolate...

And besides, at least Sharetea was not responsible for mass food poisoning Iloilo citizens, Dakasi is.

6. Roberto's

Of course, there are other places worth mentioning. This restaurant is particularly amazing as the owners don't allow franchising.

Roberto's is relatively small compared to the massive number of customers that buy their burgers, siopaos, meatballs, shanghais, and fried rice on a daily basis.

Roberto's with their amazing Lumpia Shanghai and Queen Siopao. 

7. Coffee Break

Coffee Break because it's a local cafe

This last picture was taken YEARS ago. I just love Coffee Break's Baked Mac and Tuna Casserole.

As for their Frappes? Let's just say that it has been a struggle for them to maintain their old standard in coffee drink quality, especially when it comes blended iced beverages or frappes.

8. Love & Kisses Pizza Pies

Love and Kisses is a late addition because I've completely forgotten about it. I do have two sucky pictures of my favorite pizza choices.

Love & Kisses is the only pizza place that lets you order Seduction.

Love and Kisses has always been one of my favorite pizza place ever since time immortal. To be more prices, that's two decades ago.  I have enjoyed Love & Kisses' pizzas even back when their tiny pizzeria was located in narrow street within Iloilo Central Market.

And if all else fails, there's always Fantasy, right?

Sure, they're no Afrique's. Then again, Love & Kisses creates a nostalgic atmosphere that Ilonggos have learned to enjoy throughout the years.

There you have it. 8 Places to Go to When in Iloilo

Tags:
8 Places to Go to in Iloilo
8 Iloilo Tourist Spots
8 Iloilo Spots to Enjoy
8 Places to Visit in Iloilo

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Philippine Attractions: Walk on the Wild Side Show at Ocean Adventure

The last show in our list of Animal Shows in Subic's Ocean Adventure Park. The Walk on the Wild Side showcases the forest animals in Ocean Adventure. They have birds of prey and different cats from the bear cat to the domestic rescued ones.

This cat was taught to wave at the audience. He was rescued, by the way.

This was the very first show we went to. It's also the earliest out of the four Ocean Adventure Park shows. The Walk on the Wild Side will begin with a tutorial on how to build a fire and make use of bamboos to substitute cookwares.

Here's a fruit bat crossing from one end of the branch to the other towards its trainer.

After which, trainers will feature trained forest animals including this Giant Fruit Bat, a White-Bellied Sea Eagle, a Palm Civet and a Reticulated Python.

Speaking of the snake.

A lucky person coming from the audience will take part in the show to hold that snake. I'm sure she had a blast when they had her touch the scaly creature. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind touching snakes. I've touched Bohol's famous longest python in captivity (Prony) twice.

Ah, the majestic eagle. This white-bellied sea eagle swooped down across the stage.

The Walk on the Wild Side Show can be seen at Eco Theater located at Ocean Adventure Park, Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. To view a road map on how to reach this park, you may refer to the Dolphin Friends Show post.

Ocean Adventure Park's Walk on the Wild Side show schedules are as follows:

10:15 am

12:30 pm

02:45 pm

03:30 pm

Finally, just a friendly reminder. Show schedules are subject to change without prior notice. 

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Subic Attractions: Dolphin Friends Show in Ocean Adventure Park

I'm finally trying to wrap up my Subic, Philippines Ocean Adventure Park attractions list. So basically, there are four different shows to check out during your visit. In no specific order, there's the Dolphin Friends Show, Walk on the Wild Side, Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show, and the Balancing Act.

Dolphins and Trainer putting up an amazing show for the audience.

I won't elaborate on the best order to watch these shows as long as you're one of the first audiences to arrive in each of them. This is so you can pick a nice spot.

That's some balancing act. It's like seeing a skateboard/ speedboat hybrid.

We watched the Dolphin Friends Show during noon time. It was stark bright on the cemented bleachers. The Canon Camera couldn't take decent pictures because we were sitting in the front most area where the heat of the sun was striking directly at our feet. LOL. By the end of the show, I felt dehyrdrated.

And after an amazing performance of both man and dolphins, you get to see Ocean Adventure Park's dolphins swimming into the sunset.

The Dolphin Friends Show is featured in the El Capitan Theater at Ocean Adventure Park, Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. To get there from Manila, you may follow this map of Ocean Adventure Park.

View Larger Map

Ocean Adventure Park Dolphin Friends Show schedules are as follows:

11:30 am

02:30 pm

04:45 pm  

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Traveling Around the Philippines: Manila Domestic Airport

I've always disliked leaving Manila through the Manila Domestic Airport a.k.a NAIA Terminal 4.  It's not the best looking Philippine airport and I should shoot myself for being so shallow. Here's the thing... boarding a plane from the Manila Domestic Airport has its own perks. 

Before anything else, here is a list of airlines that uses NAIA Terminal 4.

1. Zestair - who has recently been suspended for "technical issues"

2. Tigerair - whose flights got 6 hours delayed last August 24, 2013

3. Seair

4. Others... probably.

Manila Domestic Airport / NAIA Terminal 4 Arrival Area

As I've said earlier, boarding at the Manila Domestic Airport has its own perks. For one, it has free Wi-Fi. If you have a Wi-Fi enabled phone, laptop or tablet, just scan for "itsmorefuninthephilippines" and connect to it. Make sure to sign-in via your web browser and click on "I Agree" to send those last minute emails. 

Note: If you can't connect to it, try inputting "www.google.com" to activate the page that has the "I Agree" button on it.

At the departure waiting area, there's Goldilocks, Cinnabon and Seattle's Best. The comfort rooms are clean too (which is good). Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the said area.

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Ocean Adventure Park Shows and Schedules: Sea Lion Marine Patrol

One of the best parts in going to Ocean Adventure Park is the variety of shows tourists can choose from. From the amazing African Acrobats on the Balancing Act to the talented Sea Lions in the Sea Lion Marine Patrol.

Just one of the many signs found in the background of the Sea Lion Point Stadium

Both children and adults will have a blast laughing at the adorable sea lions. The first act where Simba (the blind sea lion) announces to everyone the beginning of the show was hilarious and memorable.

Amazing how a blind sea lion can pinpoint where the microphone is... She literally slid her way to it.

Some parts of the show involved a guy competing with the other sea lion called Sophie for the "Olympics". He fell into the water and got a free t-shirt and pair of shorts for doing the silliest things.

This nice young lady got a wet, juicy kiss from Simba! You don't get any luckier than that.

Like all the shows, the Sea Lion Marine Patrol at Ocean Adventure Park in Subic, Philippines also promotes reduce, reuse, and recycle. The sea lions take part in encouraging the use of cloth bags as part of raising environmental awareness.

Note: Sorry about this next picture. I "over gamma-ed" it

This is Sophie. She was the official sea lion competitor in the Olympics. 

The Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show is held at the Sea Lion Point Stadium. There are 3 shows in a day. I suggest watching the show at about 12:30 because it will be terribly hot at the Dolphin Friends Show which usually start at 11 am.

Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show Schedules:

12:30 pm

03:30 pm

05:00 pm

 *Schedules may vary depending on Ocean Adventure Park's management.

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Balancing Act Show and Schedules in Ocean Adventure Park at Subic Bay, Philippines

As I've said previously, Ocean Adventure is one of the best places to go to. Along with the entire family, visitors can enjoy a day in the sun (or rain) watching their favorite sea animals doing tricks and educating them about sea life.

The Balancing Act Show in Ocean Adventure Park

Not only are the shows fun, but they're also educational. The trainers and performers are quite entertaining. Today's feature is the Balancing Act. This a short 15-minute show with jumping African acrobats whose physical capabilities in dancing, tumbling and well, balancing are nothing short of intense (in a good way).

Just love that "Let's Party" atmosphere with these African Acrobats group.

These African Acrobats are simply amazing. They're entertaining to watch and we had lots of laughs seeing them dance with their lean and limber bodies.

With fun and merriment comes the responsibility to be educated with the ways of the sea.

I can't remember who this "Kuya" is, but he certainly was memorable. The first costume he wore was a bottle cap of some unbranded soda/water bottle.

This is just one of the many stunts visitors will enjoy while watching the Balancing Act.

Th Balancing Act with African Acrobats is shown in the Sea Side Stadium.

Balancing Act park schedules are as follows:

11:45 am

01:15 pm

02:45 pm

*Note: These schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

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Family Fun at Ocean Adventure Park in Subic Bay, Philippines

Ocean Adventure's Front Entrance

Ocean Adventure is definitely one of the best spots to bring your kids to. We were able to spend the entire day watching dolphins and laughing at adorable sea lions. Ocean Adventure has a number of shows during the day. Among them are:

1. Walk on the Wild Side.

2. Dolphin Friends Show.

3. Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show

4. Balancing Act with the African Acrobats.

If I were to be asked what my favorite was, it'd definitely be the Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show. Unfortunately, I completely forgot the name of the blind huggable sea lion that slid through the stage to announce that the show was starting.

We had a blast watching the Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show.

We watched the Dolphin Friends Show at about 11 am. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find a nice comfy seat at the top so we had to endure the heat at the bottom steps. Note to self, either be there first or attend the Sea Lion Marine Patrol or Balancing Act instead.

One of the Dolphin shows' fun exhibitions with their trainers.

Ocean Adventure Park general admissions cost:

550 Php - Adult (13 years old and above)

440 Php - Child (12 years old and below)

440 Php - Senior Citizen

They are open from Mon - Sun at 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Ocean Adventure is located at Camayan Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport, 2222 Olongapo City, Philippines.

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Leslie's Restaurant at Tagaytay City, Philippines

Summer is ending and the rainy season has begun. There's still much to talk about though. I last posted about Tagaytay and the amazing view of Taal. Now, I'm back with Leslie's.

The view of Taal Volcano at Leslie's Restaurant was breathtaking.

In fact, a number of tourists have posed along the center to get a better picture with the Taal Volcano in the background.

Leslie's Restaurant in Tagaytay showcasing their Palawan branch.

When we got to Tagaytay, this was the restaurant we decided to eat at. The food.... it was scrumptious.

Extremely Crunchy!

If you're into pork and meaty orders, you should definitely try their Lechon Kawali and Bulalo.

As I mentioned in a previous post, it was TO DIE FOR. The Bulalo's soup was rich in flavor and very tasty. We even asked for a second soup serving because it was that good. Heck, we took it home!

Veggies, anyone?

Okay, so I'm not a big fan of veggies when I can enjoy meaty goodness. This dish shouts classic Filipino.

Before I end this post, I'd like to mention that their shakes aren't the best. The Blended Iced Tea was extremely sweet and it's not a house blend (*cough* Nestea). My nieces joked that their Chocolate Shake tasted like Sustagen and it wasn't worth the 200+ php we paid it with. You're better off with ordering softdrinks.

Leslie's Restaurant at Tagaytay

Finally, once you're done enjoying a hearty meal, there are artfully landscaped areas to take those pictures with. Just be aware that you're full and those bulging bellies might noticeably show... or perhaps the chunk of cash you just paid for your meal will offset the balance. Meaning? It's definitely not a cheap restaurant to eat at.

Still, if you enjoy good food, then consider Leslie's. It' s definitely a great restaurant to eat at in Tagaytay.

Bottom line: GREAT TASTING FOOD,  PREMIUM VIEW, not so satisfactory shakes, pricey menu.

Leslie's Restaurant is located at Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Crossing West, Tagaytay City.
Telephone No. (046) 483-4271.
Email: lesliesrestaurant1@yahoo.com.ph

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Summer in the Philippines: Taal Volcano at Tagaytay

Summer Time in the Philippines!!!

Early this April, we decided to go to Tagaytay to have lunch with the family. We ended up eating at Leslie's Restaurant at Tagaytay, Cavite.

Here's a picture of the Taal Volcano taken from Leslie's Restaurant's view point.

My top food picks for Leslie's would definitely include their great tasting Bulalo which was to die for (and I mean to die for because of its rich taste and beefy goodness).

The view of Taal at Leslie's was beautiful. Here's another taken from a different angle.

You don't exactly need a good camera to take great pictures of Taal. This one was taken with  my Cherry Mobile Flare. 

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Baker's Hill in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Here's another one of those Palawan posts. This is the famous Baker's Hill. I'm not really sure what their specialty is so I just decided to pick out one of everything and bring it as "pasalubong" when I went home.

What I love about Baker's Hill are the beautiful and artistic landscapes when you get into the center of it.

Baker's Hill Entrance at sunset. My camera doesn't do much to accentuate its beauty but it was quite wonderful inside.

I got to taste their Bandung tea (which cost about 55 php).

Just a picture of the many areas you can have your picture taken with the name Baker's Hill on it.

Feel free to read more about my afternoon adventure in Palawan at 8 Ways to Enjoy Your Business Trip to Palawan

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