NAIMAS! (Delicious!)

One of the reasons why I alwaaays enjoy going to Ilocos Sur is because of the FOOD!

Last Friday, we went to Ilocos Sur just for a weekend food trip. Seryoso, we just went there to eat! I literally gained 5 pounds because of all the stuff I ate. I have impatso  (indigestion) right now, but no regrets, just love (Katy Perry, 2010).

Variety is definitely one characteristic of Ilocano food! Their delicacies range from desserts, ulam, drinks, vegetables, snacks, and a lot more.

They have amazing sweets and my ultimate favorite is cascaron! The closest food that is somewhat similar to this is the famous Karioka of UP Diliman. This is the sweet and crunchy chewy balls sold around UP campus. Anyway, cascaron is like this minus the frying! It is also chewy inside but the outside coating is made of muscovado. I wake up early just to buy this in the palengke! By 8 am, it is usually sold out already. Ganoon siya ka in demand! Too bad you can’t take this one home to Manila. Cascaron’s shelf life is only 4 hours so you really have to eat it immediately after buying. It’s also pretty cheap! It costs around 5 pesos per 3 cascaron.

cascaron and other sweets sold in the market

Next up is the famous empanada and ukoy of Vigan. Ukoy is a Filipino version of shrimp fritters. Small shrimps are mixed in a batter and fried. Empanada  are basically stuffed, fried pastries.  Infront of the shopping center (specifically Jollibee, yes, they also have one in Vigan), you can find the small spot where you can get your freshly made empanada! You can see how it is made live! As in you can see how the dough is made, how they put the stuffing, cut the empanada into a pocket-like shape, and fry it. You have to dip it in their specially made suka (vinegar) so you fully appreciate the ukoy or empanada.

Another personal favorite is Bagnet! They are like chicharon or deep fried pork meat. They use it in some of their dishes but I eat it as is. You can buy them in the palengke where there are batya (basin) of freshly fried bagnet. My favorite part is the buntot (tail) part. I eat it while walking around! No need for rice or other condiments. It is good as a snack, ulam, or pulutan!

My sister <3 bagnet! 

Whenever we go to Ilocos, we usually eat the Ilocano specialties like the pinakbet, sinanglao (beef innards and skin soup), and the like. We never eat out because when you are in the province, you are usually after the native food. But my last favorite Ilocano dish is an exception. This is the only contemporary Ilocano dish I can’t get enough of! It is a fusion of Ilocano delicacy and the famous Italian pizza. This is Café Leona’s Longganisa Pizza, Bagnet Pizza, and Pinakbet Pizza! Café Leona can be found in Kalye Crisologo (the famous street in Vigan where you can find the different souvenir shops inside the old houses) along with other restaurants. Their pizza is worth 375 that is already good for four! If you are not the adventurous type but you still want to have a bite of Ilocano flavor, try these three pizzas out and you will definitely come back for more!

Definitely, Ilocos Sur is not only famous for its tourist spots, but also for its delicious dishes! I can’t stop singing the old school song of Depeche Mode, “I just can’t get enough. I just can’t get enough”…

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pictures by Ivy Dela Torre: email her if you want to hire her as a photographer ivdelatorre@yahoo.com email
Want to be featured? email me at annabeatrixdelatorre@yahoo.com

Intayon Ilocos Sur! (Let’s go Ilocos Sur!; your guide to your trip to Ilocos Sur)

I consider Ilocos Sur as my third home (First: my own house duh. Second: UP Diliman). Not only because it’s my mom’s hometown, but also I can’t resist coming back for their delicacies and amazing beaches! Pero bago mo matikman yung food and maligo sa beaches, you have to find your way there, right? Malamang. So I’ll help you get ready for your trip to the Heritage Province of Ilocos Sur.

1. Where in Ilocos Sur are you planning to visit?

The most famous tourist destination in Ilocos Sur is Vigan. If you are into antique stuff, old houses, and Kalesa (a horse drawn carriage), then this is the place for you. I won’t emphasize on how beautiful Vigan is because it’s already the most visited place in Ilocos Sur. But you know what? There are other places you can visit! If you are into beaches, Pug-os beach resort in Cabugao Ilocos Sur is a must! With matching white sand pa! So don’t limit yourself in Vigan. I also suggest that you visit the different palengkes (markets) in each town. They all have their own specialties and their own market days! Like in Cabugao, every Tuesdays is there market day. Don’t like markets? Don’t worry! Their markets are totally different from markets here in the city. Actually, ako rin, I don’t go to the palengkes here in Manila (arte ko no?) but whenever we are in Ilocos, I enjoy going to their markets! It’s clean and you get to see different types of delicacies kaya its super okay! I also consider their markets a tourist spot actually.

2. How can I get there?

You can get there either by car ( kung mahilig ka sa long trips), bus, or plane. Over na siguro kung may by boat pa, Diyosko naman. You are just giving yourself a hard time. If it’s by car or bus, it will take you around 6-8 hours. The length of the trip also depends on what time of the year you are planning to visit. If it’s by plane, medyo hassle din. Because you will land in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, which is a 2-4 hour drive going to Ilocos Sur. If it’s by bus, I suggest you take Partas or Florida. If it’s Partas, the only disadvantage you have with this one is that you can’t reserve your seat in advance. So kailangan mo talaga pumila. Sobrang hassle swear! So I highly recommend that you ride with Florida. You can reserve your tickets in advance and every bus has its own bathroom!  Bus fare is around 500-900 depende if you are the type of person who is fine with the regular bus, then you just have to pay around 500 plus. But if you are the type who wants to be comfortable during trips with matching lazy boy type of chairs, then you have to pay around 800 plus for the deluxe bus. On your way home, you can ever wait for a bus along the road (not kidding with this one! People sometime just wait for the bus to pass by on the National Highway) or go to the terminal. The most accessible terminal is the Partas terminal in Vigan. It's just right in front of their palengke. Maraming ng type ng bus ngayon eh, may deluxe, regular, regular with no stops, super deluxe and others. Dati no aircon or with aircon lang yan eh. Hay. Maarte na talaga ang mga tao ngayon. Nonetheless, at least you have a lot of options to choose from right?

They have a bus terminal in Cubao and Manila

Pink Florida bus!

So guys, going to Ilocos Sur is easy as ABC! Kaya intayon (let’s go!) fellow lakwatseras and let’s visit the North!

PS watch out for my next blogs because they will be about the different food and delicacies that you MUST try in Ilocos Sur!

Make your own Velvet Cupcake!

Today was totally a Hagardo Versosa (stressfull and nakaka-haggard) day! And my mom even asked me to drive the car on our way home. Hassle. But when I entered the house, the smell of vanilla and cake welcomed me!! I ran towards the kitchen, then Boom. Right there. On top of the counter top was a beautiful work of art. Kulang na lang may spotlight and angels’ voices while I walk towards the velvet cupcakes my mom made for me. It was red, moist, and the frosting on top was shining like diamonds. Okay so medyo exaggerated na but seriously, I was very hungry that time. So picked up one and took a bite of the cupcake…

The cake was so soft and moist. And ito yung tipong fluffy yung cake then on top it’s kind of chewy. The frosting totally made it complete and perfect. Totally pumped me up and gave me sugar rush so I can study for my quiz tomorrow (Inaagit /agitated na nga yung cells ko right now. Can’t stop moving).

I want to share my mom’s secret recipe to everyone just so you can try it out at home. Pero if you’re like tamad (I just thank God, by the way, that He gave me a mom who knows how to cook. Because seriously, I don’t know how to cook a single dish.  Baka I’ll just depend on gravity to bring down an apple or something out of nowhere if it wasn’t for my mom. Just sharing. ) like me, ask your yaya to do it. Kidding. Send me an email if you want to inquire or order.

 So guys, find the chef/baker/cook (kung ano man ang tamang term for it) in you! Try this recipe out!

Ingredients

    3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans

    2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted, plus more for pans

    3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

    1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

    2 cups sugar

    3 large eggs

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    1/4 teaspoon salt

    2 one-ounce bottles liquid red food coloring

    3 tablespoons lukewarm water

    1 cup buttermilk

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    1 tablespoon white vinegar

Directions

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, and butter again. Dust with flour, and tap out the excess; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa, and baking powder; set aside.

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, food coloring, and water; beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until well combined. Add reserved dry ingredients in additions, alternating with the buttermilk; beat on low speed until well combined.

    In a small bowl, stir together baking soda and vinegar; add to batter. Beat on medium speed for 10 seconds. Be sure not to overbeat. Divide batter between prepared pans, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pans from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool.

    Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round, and spread about 1/3 of the frosting over top. Place the second layer on top, and spread with the remaining frosting over the tops and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill until ready to serve.

Frosting

Ingredients

    1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

    1 (8-ounce) bar cream cheese, room temperature

    1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

    Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese, and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in walnuts.

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Pictures by Ivy Dela Torre: ivdelatorre@yahoo.com

Want to be featured? annabeatrixdelatorre@yahoo.com

GOING JAPANESE! (review of my favorite Japanese restaurant, Omakase)

If you are craving for Japanese food, trust me on this one guys, you can never go wrong with Omakase! Sa sobrang daming beses na namin kumain doon, we even have our staple order. But before that, let’s start with the ambiance. One word man. CHILL. Ito yung tipo ng resto na pwede kang mag chikahan, tawanan, sige harutan na rin with your girlfriends. But its not only a barkada place, it is also family friendly. In fact, every Sunday, Omakase is always in our list of family dinner place.

Now, let’s go to the menu. Please tell me you sense my excitement in sharing my staple/most recommended order!!!!! Okay. Super excited ako. You know the reason why Omakase is different from other Japanese resto out there? They have this special sushi sauce that's super different and tastes really good! The combination of the authentic Japanese rice, all the sushi ingredients, and this sauce is just perfect. And I'm talking about any sushi you order. You really have to try it out for yourself! So visit the place guys, 'cause when Bea says it's good, IT'S GOOD!!!

Order these three dishes and swear to God, solve ka na!

American dream! It has cream cheese inside! 

Scorpion maki! It has shrimp on top, avocado inside at kung ano ano pang sushi ingredient. Kasing tindi ng makamandag na scorpion ito! swear.

Seafood teppan! It has shrimps, the mixed japanese vegetable, tuna, squid, salmon, and ang pinaka mahalaga, it comes with GARLIC RICE!!! yum!

So if you are looking for Japanese food with a kick (speaking of kick, I am currently watching the game of Azkals vs Kuwait while writing this blog. Don’t want to elaborate on the game. Ang gwapo lang ni Schrock. Period.) go to Omakase and I assure you will go out singing  I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so… *tununtuntun*

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Want your restaurant to be featured? Send me an email, annabeatrixdelatorre@yahoo.com

'Cause when I say it's good, IT'S GOOD!

Elevator? TV Patrol? As is. Where is. (review of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank)

July 26

Tuesday

Exterior

Ereeka Mesiona and I were so excited to watch the movie “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” in UP Film Institute despite the heavy downpour of rain. But that night, we were unstoppable. Unfortunately, because of the movie’s high demand, we were not able to buy our ticket .

“Eka! Wala na daw ticket! Pero may SRO tickets daw na ibebenta”

“Dude. What’s SRO?”

For everyone’s benefit, SRO stands for Standing Room Only. We literally brought our own chair just so we can watch Cinemalaya 7’s most awarded film So right after watching “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” (I’ll write a review on this on my .next blog), we ran outside to line up for the SRO tickets. But since we were desperate people that night, let’s just say we bought our tickets without too much hassle.

In all honesty, I actually had low expectations for this film. I thought “Ang Babae sa Septic Babae” would be the same nakakahilo, slow paced storyline that had been the usual trend in indie films. Well, that was just my personal opinion (about the indie films having such trend) and I know a lot of you might disagree with me. 

Nonetheless, I can never be more proud of indie filmmakers who make these movies to give viewers other option than the usual title-of-a-love-song movie.

So where do I start to describe how awesome this movie was. If you think this film would be the ‘kenkoy’, cheap laugh movie, then I suggest you watch it to see for yourself. The punch lines in the film had the right timing and blend. It was not exaggerated nor trying too hard to make the audience laugh. Tamang timpla lang, pare.

Kean Cipriano, besides his bad/mysterious boy look that even made one UP student profess his ‘ love’ for him during the prescon, really pulled off the role of Direk in the film. It was his nonchalant, chill, and artistic vibe that made him the perfect actor for the role. Do I still need to emphasize how ‘hands down’ I was to Ms. Eugene Domingo? Well, she was just Cinemalaya’s New Breed Best Actress. She was phenomenal! PERIOD.

It was also touching to see the whole cast attend the screening and answer questions from the students. Sir Chris Martinez answered the questions well and even made me realize why this film was “a good type of different” from other indie films out there. He said that indie film was becoming a genre that was why he made a different approach on this film. Kudos sir! You really pulled it off.

The only sad realization I got from this movie is that comedy films are still what attracts Filipino audience to the movie house. No wonder movies like Enteng Kabisote reached the nth version of it because they know Filipinos will always fall for them. At least, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is an intellectual type of funny.

Even though some people did not like how it ended, in my opinion, it was the perfect ending to this film. It showed us that the woman in the septic tank was just a small part of it and there was a bigger and deeper picture to this film.

To those who haven’t watched this film, YOU ARE MISSING HALF OF YOUR LIFE. And BOO YOU.

Cinemalaya 7's Best Actress. Deserve.

By the way, they're showing this in 14 cinemas i think on August 3 :) and August 5 in UP Film institute again :) LET'S SUPPORT INDIE FILMMAKERS!! and watch this with your barkada swear!! Sobrang benta!!