An Anniversary Date at Ristra's BGC

Anniversary Date: Mexican Style
by: anakngkidlat

My wife and I had been married for 3 years and what we do have in common when it comes to food is that we try something new. (although in some cases she would regret doing so) We tried to check what delicacy that we have not ventured yet. I for one is more open minded when it comes to international dishes so I suggested  a few. After a few deliberations, we both agreed to try Mexican. We also thought of the budget as most people would say "Sing sarap pero di sing mahal". One way to stay on budget is to avail coupons specifically from Deal Grocer. Luckily, my wife saw a deal from Ristra's and we got it right away.

Ristra's BGC (credits to manilareviews.com)

 We were at BGC by 8 pm and we nearly got lost because were not familiar with the place. Finally we got in and get settled.

Decors inside gives you a Mexican feel

 Did you know that their restaurant name "Ristra" means an arrangement of chili pods primarily for preservation or decorative purposes. And the staple elements of Mexican food mostly are corn and beans? of course there are a lot of ingredients in between =). So going back to my story, ordered our food based from the menu available from the coupon we got.

Ceylon Orange and Raspberry Tea

Assorted mix for my fajitas!

As I have mentioned earlier about my wife's regretting about trying new food, she said that she was not satisfied with the taste of the food. For me, I could say that it was just fine and my stomach is full.

DIY mix!

simply enjoying the bite

Contact Details:
G/F Fairways Tower, 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (+632)846-0680

A Batangas day trip Part 2: A peek at Taal Basilica:Asia's Biggest Catholic Church

Taal Basilica: Asia's Biggest Catholic Church
by: anakngkidlat

After conquering Mt. Talamitam, we had to take a jeepney ride to Taal, Batangas specifically the Taal Basilica. It was late in the afternoon when we departed from Sitio Bayabasan and the trip took 2 hours or so. The Church which is also known as Basilica de San Martin de Tours stands 96 meters long and 45 meters wide. it was so hard to take a picture of the basilica that I had to step back too far.

Taal Basilica

We had limited time to check the church and the surrounding houses that seem to have resemblance to Vigan.

Most of the houses have a old feel to it

Some of the features seen in and out of the church

It was getting dark so we had to call it a day. If we would be given a chance, we might return there.

The Philippines is truly blessed with such great works of architecture. A testament to human creativity for future generations to learn and admire.

Special thanks to Brian (http://xplorerboyz.blogspot.com/) for some of the pictures in this blogpost.

A Batangas day trip Part 1: Conquering Mt. Talamitam

Batangas' Mt. Talamitam
by: anakngkidlat

Another opportunity came to the tropa to be together once again. Luckily almost all of us had available schedules for the weekend and of course the group's promotor Brian cooked up another day hike for us. One of the tropa had even invited her friend to come with us. This time I already made preparations prior to the trip like food and enough water and conditioning for long walks.

We had met on the same meet up place on an early Saturday morning and went to Taft Station (Via MRT) to hook up with the rest of the group and rode the bus that made it straight to Mt. Talamitam. After at least a two hour bus ride, We came at our stop and sought for a guide. There's also the barangay hall where you'd have to register and pay a small fee.

The Barangay Hall that serves as registration area and prep point 

 With the preparation and payment made, we started our hike. Since were only 3 guys (including the guide) I was the sweeper.

And here we go!

 Just a simple factoid, Mt Talamitam is located specifically in Nasugbu, Batangas. Categorized as a minor climb, the hike usually lasts within an hour and 40 mins but since were not that experienced and conditioned that much, we would be having it a little bit longer. Besides we would want to enjoy and take as much as many pictures while going up.

Pictures here and there...

 We also had stops as the sun was striking hot and there wasn't enough trees for cover.

Photo Opps!

 As far as I can remember we had least 3-5 stops before we had made our way to the top. And as much as possible I try to shoot pictures.

yeah!

One of the stops we had

Moo!

Compared with Mt. Humarap, I would say this was relatively easier. Maybe it was the soft ground that helps minimize stress on the knees or the slope of the mountain was not too steep. The down side (I think) is that there were a lot of land mines (poop) on the way.

Yikes!

The cool breeze relieves much of the tired feeling we have. With no trees around the mountain, we can easily see the scenery.

As we go near the peak, winds also start to pick up.

Just a little more..

  And finally we reached the summit! As far as I can recall it was 10 am when we had made it to the top. We had our lunch then and made much of our time taking pictures!

Lunch Time!

More group pics!

What's wrong with this picture?

Finally! A complete group picture

Planking.. It's more fun in the Philippines!

We went down the mountain at 12 noon. Brian had set another place to visit so we had to maximize our time so went on the more steeper end.

The shortcut

As a side trip, we had taken a bath in the river nearby. The cool and relaxing waters erased the stress from the hike.

One tatay for sure is enjoying the slide! 

I must say that even though this is a minor climb, No hiker should miss this mountain on their list. For its unique landscape and diverse features, Mt. Talamitam has an identity of its own. Thanks to Brian of xplorerboyz.blogspot.com and Aleli of me-and-my-lens.blogspot.com for some of the photos in this blog post.