If not now, When?

If not now, When?

“By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others.” ~ Satsuki Shibuya

I came across this sort of quote from Steve Maraboli’s posts (I am an avid follower of this guy): “If not now, When?” And all those things I wanted to do came bursting in my mind. One of them is to really be able to surf, to stand in that board and really experience what’s it like. So getting an opportunity to be gone out of town, I chose going to Baler for my surfing experience.

I’ve always thought that surfing is so much fun. =) Even if I discovered some bruises when I get home. Lol!

There are actually several places in the country that can give you the best waves, when this is my choice due to other reasons (one of which is that, it isnt just a pleasure trip but a business trip too!)

Photo credits: http://siargao.surf/cloud-9-surfing/

Photo credits: http://www.kahunaresort.com/san-juan-la-union/surf-clinic-kahuna/

So come weekend, there I was catching the last trip bound to Baler with Jen, my foodie travel and all things in between buddy. Aside from the surfing experience, we definitely love the food in Baler.

FOOD

HOTEL

Jen was the one in-charge as to where we’re staying and I really love what she got for us. It is very affordable (via Agoda), very clean and the staff are so accommodating and helpful. I don’t mind staying there again when we go back.

Though, I found these equally great places to stay in Baler. So, we might try them too.

Photo credits: http://www.traveltrilogy.com/2019/03/cube-baler-aurora.html

Photo credits: https://dealgrocer.com/

And my original choice to stay: Balituk.

Photo credits: http://www.arapatria.com/balituk-resort-a-haven-place-to-stay-in-baler/

If you’re commuting, it is best to reserve your seats a few days prior your intended date to visit. There are only two trips bound to/ from Baler:

Photo credits: http://www.phbus.com/genesis-bus/

Photo credits: http://www.phbus.com/joy-bus/

While when you’re driving, it’ll take you four (more or less, because stop overs are really awesome right?) hours to get there if coming from Manila.

Aside from being able to stand in that surf board, we also get to see the biggest Balete tree in Asia. And a side trip to the Hanging bridge in Zabali. Said bridge connects two Barangays, Brgy. Tibang and Brgy Sabang. It is located at the endpoint of Zabali road. It isn’t just a spot for tourist but very useful to the residents too.

PLACES

Hanging Bridge

Aint afraid of heights! charot! =p

Balete Tree

Towering more than five stories high, this 600-year old Balete tree or is also known as Millennial tree is one of the reasons why I can’t wait to visit Baler. Weird to some as it may sound, It’s been years when I learned to get my energies from trees. So I took advantage staying with it for long and leave the place with a smile in my face. =)

Dogtown Collective

Oh, please also visit my niece’s cool place: @lilwarung.baler and @kokoanatural.ph located at Dogtown Collective. She’s got a lot of great stuff in store for you. =)

What’s travelling without buying local goods? =) When I shop, I really get to appreciate the artistic skills of my fellow Filipinos. Isn’t it great to earn while doing what you love?

PS

I definitely must go back, because I missed the Light house. =( And there are three. And some really great rock formations along the way. =)

Apartment 1B – Henry Hotel

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. ~ John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Each time I am visiting a new place. It feels like a Get-away or an escape from the usual humdrum of daily life. It sets my vibe. Like when I visited Arte Mondo at the Artelano 11 inside the compound of Henry Hotel at F.B. Harrison, Pasay City. It is a Pre-Holiday Gathering of Premier Filipino Design, a collaboration between Artelano 11 and The Travelling Trunk.

After the canvasing and shopping and “Can’t get enough mode” of taking photos from this exhibit, very timely for the upcoming Christmas season, all we wanted to do is eat. We actually, had DIC (Jen, where is our photo of Mamang Sorbetero?) already.

We were very lucky to find one at the lobby of Henry Hotel: Apartment 1B, I’ve heard a lot of good things about this restaurant, owned by Chef Marivic Diaz Lim and that there are two branches in Makati (One in Salcedo and another one in Rockwell Center). they offer gourmet comfort food and is actually under the wings of The 1B Group along with Kitchen 1B and Pablo. The former is a healthier version of their amazing offerings while the latter is a Continental Bistro bar.

Jen had pizza and I had pasta. We also tried their coffee, I had cafe latte and Jen had Vittoria coffee and espresso.

Simple syrup for my coffee.

I just love cheese. =)

My foodie buddy took care of the menu as I took joy in taking photos. I fell in love with their interiors while enjoying the piped-in music that softly played songs of Carla Bruni. And even if I do not understand most of it, It was so relaxing.

I was able to capture my moments hours ago because I was surrounded by things I love. You may check the link of my separate blog about “Arte Mondo”: https://beautsantua.com/category/my-bohemian-blood-2/arte-mondo/

Simple yet impressive Architecture.

Lovin’ those tiles! ❤

And we really appreciate the experience of being here. The people are very nice. The place was old and they were able to preserve (and restore) most timeworn elements, the windows with decorative glass, the doors, especially those floors. F.B. Harrison street is very rich in history, passing along by it, you’ll see quite a number of manors that’s been sublimely standing still after many generations.

Love it here! =)

Jen and I were wishing that soon we will go back to stay at Henry Hotel even for a few days. It is located at the heart of Pasay City but the feel is very different while we’re inside the compound. It is so tranquil and composed and those greens are very relaxing.

Art in every corner. Those greens are old bottles of wine.

Should you wish to visit, it is located at: 2680 F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila. Below is a map for your reference. =)

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Source: https://www.apartment1b.com/a1b-menu.pdf

Blue Ginger Restaurant – “Blame it on my Gypsy Soul”

Blue Ginger Restaurant – Blame it on my Gypsy Soul

“One of the beautiful effects of living your passion is that it inspires other people to live theirs.” ~ Curiano Quotes

I found it difficult what title should I bestow in this specific blog of mine. I truly enjoyed the brimming colors of Blue Ginger interiors and of course the food they offered and how beautifully they were presented. So I considered titles that has something to do with colors, like “Color your life” or “Live your color”. Especially now that I’m needing inspirations for my crafting. =) However, I have mull it around my head, the common ground of what really fascinates me is when a place exudes diversity. During college days, one of my professors call it “eclectic”.

Like a gypsy’s collection from her travels curated in just one place. Arranged aesthetically when upon seeing, you will truly admire. This what struck me when I accidentally discovered Blue Ginger. I really had to see it. =)

While for the delight of our tummies, Blue Ginger exceeded our expectations.

From the prawn kropek with a very nice vinegar sauce. The healthy and delicious Tom yang soup we got as starter. We both craved for veggies, so we had their fresh lumpia. It was a good choice, the sauce tasted great. It’s always in the sauce right? It came with chopped peanuts and roasted garlic.

The satay platter is nicely presented too. I must say it’s really in the sauce. =)

I stressed my buddy out, due to her busy schedule, we only had the chance to visit 2 weeks after New Year when I told her about the place as early as December while I was doing my Christmas ornaments. And I’m so happy to be there. The wait is truly worth it. I’m planning to go back and bring my loved ones there too.I should say, the pictures are worth a thousand words.

Jen wanted the raw chopped garlic and voila, they granted her wish in no time, in that cute little dish.

What else, that apple crumble cheesecake is why I’ll keep coming back here. =) Or maybe try the others: Ube cake, blueberry, red velvet and salted caramel alongside a slice of my apple crumble.

It was good to end this with something that really surprised me when I visited their Al fresco area. Those lanterns! It blew my mind because I didn’t see it from the researches I’ve made before our visit. It’s definitely unexpected and a sight to behold! =)

You might remember how I loved lanterns! =) That festive feel and whimsical mien of adorning a place. You saw them from my previous blogs like Another Story (same owner), Cafe Juanita, Fourteen Four Cafe, and about to post Tagaytay’s Cafe Voila soon, which happens to be of the same creator: Miss Ica Sebastian. She’s an instant idol of mine. =)

I can’t wait to see more. =)

Blue Ginger is located at The Wharf at Lakefront, East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City.