The Grocery Couture

     Aside from city tour and food tripping, hitting the beach is one of the best things to do while exploring the Asia’s Latin City. Prior to our Zamboanga trip, I’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback about the Great Island of Sta. Cruz which has white and pink sand beaches. Good thing I was able to convince Jumar to try the island. Since the island is a protected area by the government, we had to get a permit from the Police Station a day before our trip so that they can assign the boat and military escort for security purposes which cost Php 1000.

     We were advised that the boat trip going to the island will be until eight in the morning only but we arrived at the Paseo del Mar terminal around nine. Luckily, the police people were able to contact the boatmen assigned to us and we’re able to fetch us after few minutes. The terminal fee cost Php 5/head.

We rode in a small motorboat going to the island.

Jumar, Kyle and Hannah. All are excited for the island getaway!

The Escort Service! Me and our military escort.

The sea is so calm and peaceful. It’s nice to travel with this kind of sea condition.

It took us almost 20 minutes to get to the island. The distance is like Ilo-ilo City to Guimaras Island.

      A creamy-fine white sand beach welcomed us. Virgin and really inviting. Upon arrival, I examined the sands of Sta. Cruz Island and look for the pink one. Rumor has it! It’s really true that there’s a pink sand in this beautiful island. Actually, the color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral mixed with white sand.

Take a little closer and you will see the pink accent.

After few hours the sea condition has changed and the current was so strong.

Found this small crab hiding under the remains of a tree trunk.

A local selling Curacha which is known as spanner crab or red frog crab. Best when boiled or steamed.

Miniature vinta! Zamboanga is known for its colorful vintas.

Anyone can enjoy the island with the following rates! :)

A toast for summer!

What I’m wearing: blue and red nautical stripes shirt (Vintage),  tribal print boardshorts (Folded and Hung), sunglasses (Aldo), slippers (Havaianas). Hype this on lookbookhere. Just kidding!

     Sta. Cruz Island is blessed with marine life so snorkeling and scuba diving are things to enjoy. But aside from that, you can also enjoy the pinkish-white sand of the island by playing beach volleyball, tug-of war, rugby and “UFC” just like what Balikatan people did.

     Given a chance, I would like to stay in this island for a night or two.

     Cakes and pastries are some of my guilty pleasures. They are my comfort food. Sinful yet delightful. Every time I travel, I always make sure that I would take a bite of the best cakes and pastries in town. A friend suggested to try Myrna’s Bake House, one of the best bakeshops in town.

Myrna’s Bake House along Pasonanca Road.

A cozy place for friends and family.

Their staff are well-trained and very friendly.

Aside from sweets, they have pasta, sandwiches and panini, juices and coffee to try. Pasta Marina is to die for!

Sweet Life! They have wide selections of cakes and pastries.

Take home! Cookies and butterscotch for pasalubong.

So here’s what we had:

Brazo de Mercedes (Php 34) - rolled cake (sometimes referred to as jelly roll) made from a sheet of soft meringue with custard filling. This really melts in your mouth!

Strawberry Yogurt Cream Pie (Pph57) -  This is a definite go-to dessert for summer. Light and delicious!

Chocolate Super Moist (Php 68) - It’s like a sponge cake dip in a big bowl of chocolate syrup; it holds all the chocolate. It’s literally moist and very chocolatey! And the serving is really big that I need to help Jumar to finish this one.

Black Forest (Php 50) - Black and white with cherry on top? Not this one. Their Black Forest is composed of three layers – the upper portion is made of smooth dark chocolate, the middle are made of peaches and soft walnuts, and the lower base made of rich moist chocolate cake. This is somewhat different from what I expected but good thing it didn’t fail my taste bud. This is one of their best sellers.

Beef Salpicao (Php 150) - it is composed of shredded beef sirloin or tenderloin, lots of minced garlic and liquid seasoning for flavoring. This is Donald’s favorite at Myrna’s.

Thai Lemonade - Lemonade mixed with pandan leaves which makes this drink refreshing. This is a summer cooler!

      Here’s another hing about this place - they have wi-fi to keep you connected with the social-media world. But the best thing about this place? It is budget friendly. Your Php 100 can go a long way. :)

     Every time I travel, it really excites me. From “googling” the place to creating the itinerary to packing, it gives me an adrenaline rush. I’m always looking forward for the experience that traveling can give me. Two weeks ago I had this unforgettable experience to add on my list.  So here’s what happened - Jumar handed me the hard copy of the ticket two days before the actual departure date. I didn’t check the ticket before I kept it since I already knew the flight date and time.

     It was ten minutes before three in the afternoon when we arrived in the airport for check-in. I have this weird feeling already when we checked the Cebu Pacific check-in counter that there’s no signage for Zamboanga. Jumar told me that maybe we’re too early, so we decided to sit for a while. While checking the ticket, we realized the ETD was 0455.

     I looked at Jumar and folded the ticket again, and stared on it again for the last time. We looked at each other and screamed, “It’s in the morning!!!”. And we just laughed.

     We rushed to the nearest ticketing office right off the bat to book for the next flight going to Zamboanga which is a day after. Cebu Pacific flies to Zamboanga once a day.

Satti for Breakfast…

     It was Saturday morning when we arrived at Zamboanga International Airport.  Good thing Donald fetched us at the airport so we don’t need to take the tricycle. We dropped by at their place to meet his parents for few minutes. Then he brought us to Andy’s Special Satti for breakfast since we want something authentic for our first day.

     Donald recommended this place since it is cleaner and more affordable compare to those Satti houses in the city. No wonder why it’s being flocked by customers as early as five in the morning.

     Satti is the famous Tausug dish. It is actually a breakfast meal to the locals of Zamboanga. Satti meal is actually coagulated rice immersed in a reddish sweet and spicy sauce. You eat it either with grilled chicken, beef or liver. Bawal ang pork!

Freshly grilled satti.

Chicken Liver Satti is one of the best options to pair with your rice for a tastier experience.

Satti and Tumu (sticky rice cooked inside a folded coconut leaves then cut into cubes).

One big pot of unlimited thick semi sweet and spicy reddish sauce. I can smell some curry!

My choice - Beef and Chicken Liver Satti loaded with sauce. The beef is so tender and tasty, while the chicken liver never fails to satisfy my taste bud.

The best-friends! They’ve been good friends since their Siliman days.

Empanada for dessert?! It’s made of sweet potato but tastes like meat. Amazing!

     A visit to Asia’s Latin City would not be completed without trying the famous Satti.

Andy’s Special Satti
Crispin Atilano St, Tetuan
Zamboanga City

     After a long walk and tiring window-shopping (Yes, I didn’t buy anything!) at the  Greenhills Shopping Center, we decided to grab a bite. I was a bit dizzy since the place is like a big maze that you wouldn’t know the way out. At the same time I was starving since it was already past one o’clock in the afternoon and we haven’t eaten.

     We went to Connecticut Carpark where there are a lot of restaurants line up. We supposed to eat at Max’s Retaurant but we happened to see this resto that offers Flame Grilled, Falls off the Bone, Best Ribs in Town so we decided to give it a try.

     The place is neat and well lighted. The interior reminds me of Kamiseta, which has a cosy homey vibes.

     As we entered the resto, we were assisted by the staff going to the second floor since the first floor was already crowded. We seated on the cushioned wood bench seat with backrests which gave us comfort. Since it’s our first time, it took us few minutes to  decide what to order. 

     “We take great pride in the quality & tempting taste of our ribs. It starts when we select the finest pork and beef ribs we can buy. We do our own butchering & trimming & leave just the right amount of fat for that deep flavor. Our ribs are then hickory smoked in a blend of special herbs & spices for that distinct, rich, smokey flavor. Then, we grill fire & finish them flame broiled to seal in all that goodness. This come out tender, juicy, and just “fall off the bone”. That’s how we like ‘em - we know you will too”.

Maybe they’re just smiling but they’re terribly starving!

RACKS has its own original sauces: Regular and Extra Hot!

The Onion Brick - Thinly sliced onion rings, marinated, spiced and lightly breaded then deep-fried to a crisp. This is great for starters and for sharing appetizer. And take note it’s not oily! :)

     Sides are made fresh right in the restaurant. They come in a hearty portions and make a perfect compliment for ribs and are great for sharing. 

Broccoli and Cheese 

Carrots and Corn 

Southern Fried Chicken - Good old, Southern-styled fried chicken, crisp and juicy. Served with gravy, homemade biscuits and honey biscuits. 

Rack Classic Pork Ribs  - The all-time favorite, tender meat cut of pork ribs, slow-cooked to seal in that distinct smokey flavor. 

Southern Favorite (Php 1,095) - Feed your friends and family for less. Half Rack Classic Ribs, Half-Southern Fried Chicken, your choice of any 2 large side dishes and a pitcher of coke. 

Chillout ladies!

     It was truly a satisfying lunch. We didn’t finish the whole thing so we ended up bringing the left-over. The Southern Favorite is worth the price! :)

RACKS, Greenhills

Connecticut Carpark Bldg.,Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Ave.

San Juan City,

Philippines

(02) 584-2173 to 74

     During my free weekends you can see me strolling at the mall, shopping on Carbon Street for some vintage stuff, trying a new resto to dine, relaxing at the nearest spa, catching up with friends over coffee, or hopping on a bus to get away from the city noise. And sometimes you can catch me in a photo shoot assisting the “models”/clients or you can see me at the wedding reception providing table assignments. Yes, I’ve been doing these for months already because my boss at the office, one of the heads of Its Ur Day Events, always inviting me to join them during their engagements. And I’m enjoying it!

Edrico on hair and make up.

Ep-ep getting dolled-up.

One of the perks during the shoot. Nomnom!

Carolyn busy doing the finishing touch.

Meet Barbie and Ken - Ep-ep and Aloy. One of the most romantic and sweetest couples I’ve met.

The heads of Its Ur Day Events are hands-on teaching the basic steps.

The sweetest thing!

Lace-up! One of the jobs that Merose loves to do! lol. :)

Sally Hansen!

Sorry but he’s taken! :)

Ep-ep is getting the hang of being Barbie.

Meet the people working behind the scene.

Aren’t they perfect to be Barbie and Ken?

This is the real deal.

Tired but Happy! It’s a fulfilling day for everyone.

     This is how I spend my free weekends. How about you? How do you spend your weekends? :)