Hapag in Katipunan.

So happy that we have a new restaurant in our area. Quezon City needs more classy places to eat. 

Hapag is in Katipunan, 10 minute drive away from the house. It's quite hidden so drive really slow once you are on the main road. It is on the right side of Katipunan (south bound). Parking is quite limited. Your clothing might smell of the food as it is an open kitchen. 

What they try to push is the 8 course-dinner. It's 2,500/person. I loved everything in the menu. Unfortunately, the steak was too salty but after we told the server about it, they were able to fix the 2nd order. The oyster in the mini hamburger bun is my favorite. 

Would I go back? For sure!!!

Hapag

201 Katipunan Avenue

Quezon City

Nobu Dinner Experience

Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to have been invited by Ms. Charisse Chuidian to a special dinner, welcoming back to Manila, Chef Nobu Matshuhisa. 

The whole crew. 

Thank you so much City of Dreams for having me be a part of this delicious dining experience. 

Dizon Sisters in Philippine Tatler

 A great big thanks to Philippine Tatler, Anton San Diego, Monique Madsen, MJ Jose and the whole team for making this happen. 

Travel Tips for Tulum.

We went August which I think is a good time because it is low season and so prices are not as high for hotels/Airbnb. It rained once but for a very short time and throughout, we had pretty good weather. There's also no crowd to worry about. 

Tulum is known for its multiple cenotes (sinkholes that you can swim in). We went to Dos Ojos which was wonderful. Reminded me a lot of the Big Cave we have in Segada but somehow, the water is clearer in Tulum. Best to bring swimming shoes. The package that we got was $40.00 includes entrance to two cenotes, a zipline ride and snorkel set. Bring mosquito repellent (very important). I bought a GoPro just for this trip and it was super worth it. I don't have to tell you the importance of sunblock. 

A short trek will lead you to this underground cave. 

So proud of my senior citizen Aunties that they were brave and strong enough to join this adventure. 

 

You have your own guide who will lead you every step of the way and who also has a waterproof camera. He will send you the photos (no charge).

If you scared of bats, you might not like this as there are plenty but they are harmless. 

Shopping in Tulum is also quite the adventure as the vendors will almost push their items to your face just to make a sale. The items they sell are mostly designed with either a skulls to celebrate their Day of the Dead or Frida Kahlo. 

When shopping, bargain. Try more than half off and see how lucky you are. They take US$ so there's no need to exchange your money to Mexican Pesos.  

I regret not buying this small pouch. 

This is what I bought as a souvenir. 

They have these super cute hammocks. 

You can only have so much Mexican food but for an authentic Yucatecan food, you must go to Honorio. 

More tacos....

Tulum is busiest December to February. We went August, which is low season, but I found it to be the perfect time to go as it was almost empty. No long lines to go into the cenotes. The beach was empty. The hotel rates are inexpensive. The sun was out except for the occasional shower which would last about 5 minutes.

I would totally go back. Come with me?

Casa Malca, Tulum.

I don't know much about Pablo Escobar except that he was a Columbian drug lord. I have yet to watch the show in Netflix to keep myself updated, specially now that I have been to his mansion in Tulum. It is now a beach resort but you can tell the extravagant lifestyle that he lived. 

The whole area used very old railroad tracks as walls and fences. It looks so awesome and you can actually still smell the oil spill from the trains. 

Upon entering, on your left, you will see this little corner of love. It goes up another level because it is just the main entrance to the toilets. 

A huge dining area with mix matched chairs and tables under multiple chandeliers. 

There's artwork everywhere you look. 

As it became dark, the whole place lit up focusing on the art pieces that are scattered all over the property. 

And with our jaws dropped to the floor, we still found the energy to take a group photo in one of the function rooms in Casa Malca.