Foot and Fire

With no much ado, I am immortalizing the pasalubongs here by photographing them (Of course, they're wiped out long before this post): From Up to Down: Pineapple from Polomolok, banana from Tampakan, Asparagus and dried fish bought from KCC Mall in Koronadal City, durian candies from Davao City, Eagle Kite we bought outside the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, T-shirts bought at Aldevingco Mall, Bling-blings courtesy of a friend in Tampakan and Pomelo from one of the many stands in Davao City. ***

Bahay ni Tuding is homey and has an in-house restaurant  which is a good thing during rainy or lazy days during a vacation.  Please check out how the hometel fared during our November 2014 vacation  in my foot and fire blog  here. Bulalo. *** Guayabano spread. *** *** Complimentary Home-made yogurt. *** *** *** *** Calamansi and lemongrass juice is a hit for us! ***

A Visit in Davao city is never complete without dropping by the famous Lola Abon's candied durian... And now, they have durian ice cream aside from their durian ice candy! *** Who wants this? *** I love these!!! ***

Under the Tuscan Sun: At home in Italy By Frances Mayes Memoir, hardbound, 280 pages I believe there is no review on this 1996 book without mention of the film version. I, for one, have seen the film first starring Diane Lane before I read this book. Thus, I am setting the record straight here: they have different storyline although the house is the gravitating factor in both. Of course, I have to mention that the film is inspired by the book. Mayes said that her book came out from the notes she has taken down and mementos she had saved for four years when she and her husband purchased the Bramasole (To yearn for sun) property in Cortona, Italy. As I go on with the book, I wished for a map of the whole Tuscany to at least understand the route taken by the writer and a sort of map of the Cortona town. Thanks to google, I had clearer picture while reading the book. Tuscany is an Italian central region with Florence as its capital province while Cortona is a town in Are

      We traveled by foot but we were transported by our mouths! One of the perks of vacation is eating heartily and discovering great food places. Vista View Resto is one of the happy finds! Feast on the food basket below... This is located at Ma-a Diversion Road and a great stop over before heading to the Crocodile Farm. BOODLE MEAL FOR 4 TO 6 PERSONS: Kinilaw, crispy noodle, chop suey, chicken inasal  and pork barbecue (not in the photo because we requested to separate it) *** *** *** chicken inasal with achara *** *** We were on top of a hill! *** ***

Summer Roll is a favorite! The rice paper is found in the International section of any supermarket. Here is how to prepare your own: Sauce: Combine Hoisin sauce, chopped cashew nuts and a little soy sauce and water.  Bring to boil until desire consistency. Rolls: In a chopping board, lay a piece of rice paper, moisten with water. Place desired vegetables and cooked fish, meats or prawns. Fold and roll as you would a regular spring roll!  Option: You may serve with dip or include in the roll, the sauce. *** *** Lettuce *** Carrots and cucumber ***

We started the day by heading to the famous Davao City Philippine Eagle Center where they artificially hatch and raise the endangered specie. We were early by 30 minutes so that we roamed around before the gate opened. Lucky we were because the caretaker was around so that we were able to have our photo ops with the heavy bird.  *** *** *** We were told that the birds are named after their sponsors, the latter pay for the medicine, food, maintenance of the center and the caretaker. Aside from the Philippine Eagle, we saw the endemic owl, and some other bird species.  From there, we proceeded to Eden Farm which is an eco-trail where we skipped the group tour on a tourist vehicle circling the whole place filled with trees. Instead, we played with the caged birds and the butterflies. *** *** *** We then proceeded to Jack Ridge supposedly for lunch but we were not able to have one there because they open for dinner. The place fea

A vacation is not a vacation if there is no proof. And the proof is not the megapixel alone but PASALUBONG, a treat for those waiting at home. Part of the Filipino culture is to bring something home. To celebrate such tradition, we allotted a day to buy Davao's best: durian candies, pomelo, malong, bags, wallets, keychains and other goods in Aldevingco Mall. But before we hit the mall, we roamed around the city hall of Davao, the Sanggunian Panlungsod hall, the San Pedro Cathedral, and the Museo Ng Dabaw. We had a great time that at the last minute we decided to head to Crocodile Farm which is located outside the city proper (You should do this on a Friday and weekends as they feature Tribu Mindanao fire dance on those days) and we ended our day there with a sumptuous meal at one of the restaurants.  The City hall of Davao. *** A pose by the big painting on the making of the city.  This is in the lobby of the city hall. *** With the cheerfu