We wanted to make the most of hubby's 2 weeks vacay and we decided to have a weekend getaway to Lake Sebu.
We had the most relaxing and refreshing time. We mostly just sat in the balcony of our room and watch as the fishermen fed the tilapias and the birds take a break from flying in the bamboo railings of the lake, drank loads amount of traditional coffee, enjoying the cold weather, roamed around, took pictures, had a short boat ride and learning all about t'boli culture.
What a lovely weekend indeed.
"I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people.
I thought, "This is what it is to be happy."
-Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
One of the best ways to spend your weekend is to be with the nature! Walking in the woods, listening to the trees brushing with the wind, the sound of water running in the river, swimming in a lagoon.
Ahhh Perfect! It's sooo magical!
I could live there! One of my ultimate dream is to live in a cabin or cottage in the woods surrounded by wildflowers.
So one Saturday, my friends and I went to a 30-minute drive from the city, we left our car beside the road and walked across the river to reach this majestic place they call "Blue Lagoon" in Olarte Conel, General Santos City.
We spent the day with endless stories and laughs over food and drinks that we brought. At 2PM it's time to go home...
See you again, Blue Lagoon!
We spent the day with endless stories and laughs over food and drinks that we brought. At 2PM it's time to go home...
See you again, Blue Lagoon!
SOX is indeed blessed with so much beauty!
It was five in the morning when I snoozed off my alarm clock, hurriedly we went to fetch my cousin, and then we were on the road to GenSan Fish Port. This place is visited by tons of tourists and photographers mostly during Tuna Festival, and one of it is Kulas of Becoming Filipino where he carried a massive tuna out of a boat. Of course, it wasn't my first time, but it was a first for me at least to observe in depth the things and people there.
The place at this hour is very chaotic and crowded. And well it smells awful but hey what fish has a fragrant smell? None of course. If you want to see the GenSan Fishport come to life, as early as 4AM to 6AM is the best time to visit.
The fishport is divided into different markets and the pictures above is the place where export quality tunas are found.
We roamed around and took lots of photos. Every boat that we pass by, fishermen would wave and greet us, they were very very friendly. A group even invited us for a mini tour at their boat and we gladly said yes.
It was quite a different feeling talking to the fishermen who risk their lives just to assure us that our country’s tuna industry would continue to prosper. They spend months in the middle of the sea, away from their loved ones, with unjust compensation just so we can enjoy delicious tuna products. And yet the big players in the industry would just respond with “Ganun talaga.” Sad but true.
It was scorching hot but despite the hot and humid weather, my best friend Jessa and I bravely went outside to try this cafe which I discovered through facebook. From the name itself, Walflower Cafe, it's very inviting.
From the Manga books in their bookshelf, menu, interior, to the waitress' costume or uniform. It seems that the owner loves Manga which is really something new and unique. I've always thought that the word 'wallflower' is a hipster word or something, it turns out that it actually came from Manga.
Surprisingly, my OOTD is in theme with the cafe cos i'm wearing kimono.
We ordered these potion drinks, burger, potato wedges, and fruits with ice cream on top. The burger and fruits with ice cream tastes good but the potions not so much. What I like about this cafe is that everything is affordable! Plus I love that they're giving free tea. I would recommend this cafe to high school and college students as well those who are in a tight budget who are in need of a quiet place to study or relax.
After my first experience, I went back to this place a couple of times since it's near the school i'm teaching. I even brought my husband here for lunch!
So... I was surprised when I received an invitation for a food tasting at Caffe Firenzo, and I was even giddy when I was told that the place has now a whole different look and concept. Of course, I immediately said yes!
You'll be greeted by this cute chalk board menu at the entrance. So cute!
Ali and I arrived first, so while waiting for the others, Ms. Kate talked something about Caffe Firenzo and its interior. We also went around to take some pictures.
My eyes caught this beautiful jar. If stealing isn't a crime, I'd steal that jar. For real. Hahaha. I really like the concept of this infused water in a jar thing. And it really looks cute on their counter top.
When I saw this area, I immediately pictured myself sitting on those comfy chairs reading a book while having my coffee.
I'm in love with this area! Their al-fresco is surrounded with plants. And sitting there was like i'm just sitting in my very own porch surrounded by plants and fresh air. It's very relaxing and homey despite being located in the heart of the city.
There are tons of food selections and one of their specialties are the Native Chicken Fried Adobo and the Tuna Palikpik. I think my favorite dishes are the native chicken fried adobo and the chicken teriyaki. I've also tasted their chicken skin during my 2nd visit and I must say it tastes heavenly!
*Chicken skin is life next to pizza!*
I've tried their blue berry iced tea, it's a bit sweet for my taste but it's good. Their frappes also tastes good! What can I say, everything is beyond delicious!
RATINGS
The Place: ★★★★★
It's 5 stars cos I love everything about the place! It is located in the heart of the city which is a plus, it's easy to find and near the malls. What I love most is the cozy/homey and garden feels of the cafe, I felt really relaxed when I set foot in that place.
The Food: ★★★★★
The food was superb! Beyond amazing I must say. Everything was delicious especially Native Chicken Fried Adobo and Chicken Teriyaki.
The food was superb! Beyond amazing I must say. Everything was delicious especially Native Chicken Fried Adobo and Chicken Teriyaki.
I noticed that the prices are a bit higher compared before. Not that budget friendly for students and minimum salary earners. Maybe it's just the kuripot in me talking. But I think everything nowadays are much expensive compared a year or 2 ago. Hahaha. All in all, I think the prices are worth it with regards to the taste of every every dishes.
The Services: ★★★★☆
The Services: ★★★★☆
I'm the kind of person who's very picky with restaurants and coffee shops, believe me if I say that the "service" is a big factor. Who would want to go back to a cafe with rude employees or crew, right? And I love how nice and accommodating the crew in Caffe Firenzo are! They were very courteous and they attended all our needs. If you're thinking maybe it's because we were invited for food tasting that's why they're nice and all, but I went back after a week or two and the way they treat their customers are the same as the first time I stepped in that place. So that's a plus!
The Comfort Room: ★★★★★
The Comfort Room: ★★★★★
I'm very very picky when it comes to wash rooms and comfort rooms of every place I visit especially in hotels and restaurants. So I was really happy when I went inside Caffe Firenzo's wash room, everything a girl needs in a wash room is there and the hose is a plus, it's soooo clean you can literally sleep on the floor haha, it smells good too!
Team SOX!
Caffe Firenzo is located @ Sun City Suites comnplex, National Highway, General Santos City.
Have you heard stories about the Japanese colonization in the Philippines? Or heard different stories about World War II? Well, I’m sure all of you did, especially all Pinoys. My Lolo was a settler in Marbel (now Koronadal City) and my dad told me stories about my lolo’s life and adventure during the Japanese colonization.
But as history tells, the Philippines has been colonized by Japanese for a short time but it was the bloodiest and the most difficult one. During the World War 2, General Santos City or GenSan become one of the last borderland of the American and the Japanese soldiers. Before the World War 2 began, the Japanese forces constructed round cemented tunnels and hideouts in different areas in the city and other neighboring places. And we’ve seen and visited one.
Ali have been telling me about a tunnel or hideout located at an empty lot at the back of the village, so I was so excited and giddy to check it out. We actually don’t know if it’s a tunnel or a hideout cause we never attempted to go inside; there might be snakes, bats, or bugs inside it. Anyway, Ali have heard stories about this igloo shaped hideout/tunnel. They say it’s a tunnel its outlet is in Malesido, some say it is just a hideout, some also said that it contained lots of gold, and some say people in authorities had been inside it and got all the golds/treasure that they can get. But we really don’t know which one is true...
3 days after the hubby and I arrived from SG, my cousins had this crazy idea of going to Sanchez Peak, which is the highest peak where you can see the whole city of GenSan and Polomolok from above!
Believe me, we went through hell before we reached the top! The road going there was rocky and the rocks were slippery cos it’s limestones. I even fell of twice from Ali’s motorcycle! My cousin who’s a girl, brought her motorcycle too, and she slipped from the motorcycle… Oh I can’t even count how many times. But i’m so proud of her for she was strong enough to take the risk. It’s the most unusual and unique birthday party she ever had! The trail going up was really scary too! It’s narrow, slippery, and when you’re goin to look down it’s as if you’re gonna fall from the cliff. One mistake and we’re gonna fall and say bye bye to this crazy wonderful life. And no, I’m not exaggerating. For someone who’s afraid of heights, man I was glad that I survived!
But upon reaching the peak, it was really rewarding! What we went through paid off. GenSan and Polomolok was such a beauty from above! But I think it would be better at night cos of the city lights. I really admired the beauty and simplicity of greenery mountains. I wanted to sing and dance like in the movie Sound of Music! It’s also a bit windy up there and cold. If I could only build a cabin and stay there forever!
A good company and food made it even amazing! After a quick nap, it’s time to go home… And face the dreadful trail. And again we survived! Alhamdulillah!
Upon reaching a sari-sari store in Brgy. Conel, a man told us that it’s impossible to reach Sanchez Peak with motorcycles, hikers usually leave their bikes and just walk to reach the peak! Uh blame my cousin who insisted to take our motorcycles! Haha. Anyway, we’re just thankful enough to experience how to be afraid and taking risks at the same time.
Thank Allah I watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that I became more of a risk taker!
Things I’ve learned from this crazy adventure:
- Face the uncertainty of the future or the path that you’re going to walk.
- As the quote say: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
- Have the courage to take the risk and don’t be afraid to experience the sense of adventure.
- Be adventurous at least once in your life.
- Appreciate what Mother Nature gave us, and do our best to preserve it.
"To see the world, things dangerous to come to,
to see behind walls, draw closer,
to find each other, and to feel.
That is the purpose of life."
PS: The adventure happened last year, May 7, 2014. I unearthed it from my tumblr because some posts were unsuccessfully transfered. Looking back, it made me sad for it was the last adventure we had with our cousin before he passed away this April. This is a memory that I will surely treasure forever.
It was lunch time when Ali and I finished some errands and we have a few hours to rest before our next appointment. So with hungry tummies, we decided to go to House of Cashews which is a bit far from GenSan (located at Silway 8 Polomolok) for lunch. The place isn't situated along the highway but we didn't have a hard time finding it since there's a sign on which road to turn.
We were hesitant to enter the gate since we felt like we were the only ones there, but when I asked the gardener if this is the place we were looking for and she said yes, I was relieved. We were greeted by this peaceful and beautiful garden plus the classic music filled the place.
While waiting for the food that we ordered, I retouched my makeup because the heat while traveling to this place wiped my makeup away, I also took some pictures around the restaurant. I really love the place since it's peaceful and relaxing. Also, the food is superb and to die for.
When I asked the waitress what are the non-pork dishes in their menu, she said that they're not serving pork viands at all, even soda and beers weren't in their menu. She said they're all about being healthy and having healthier lifestyle. I was really happy with it. Finally a Halal restaurant! Anyway, we ordered kare-kare, chicken fillet, rice, coconut shake, and tea. I've noticed all of there dishes have cashews, even the coconut shake has one which is surprisingly delicious. It is truly the House of Cashews. And for the prices, it's all worth it and reasonable (400-500 per viand if i'm not mistaken) considering the the taste, per viand or dishes is for 2-3 person.
I think my outfit for this lunch date was perfect since it was scorching hot that day and we were traveling via motorcycle. So the scarf, boots and checkered polo was my protection from the heat. And my pug tee says hi! :)
