Canggu, First Day.

Because of the extreme traffic in Seminyak, we decided to see more of what Canggu has to offer. We hired a driver with a car that would take us around because we are Flippers and we do not like to walk in the heat. For about Php2,400, we had the driver take us around for 8 hours. 

First stop was the Bazaar. It's a small open air shopping area that has multiple stalls. 

It's pretty to look at but I find that what they are selling are almost the same things. From one booth to the next, I saw wooden plates, spoons, forks and yes, even wooden cocks. They also had a TON of dream catchers, kaftans, bottle openers, etc. Nothing caught my attention. 

Do I recommend that you go? Not really.....

Soon it was time for lunch and just a few steps away is Betelnut Cafe. It's a small place that serves delicious burgers, steak and wraps at a very reasonable price. 

Note to the Bali traveler, bring your own water bottle. With the heat, it is best to hydrate yourself constantly. 

BETELNUT CAFE

We walked around the area and found some pretty cool spots. 

We asked around for a good place to view our first sunset and we were told that The Lawn Canggu is quite popular. Best to make a reservation. 

They had tables for the diners and lounge/beds for the sunbathers. There's a minimum of about US$80 to get the bed but that consumable and no time limit. I felt that we were the only Asians as it was filled with Europeans and Australians. 

Never fail to take advantage of the natural sunlight for a good selfie with the Titas. 

As the sunset came upon us, we decided that we Flippers crave for airconditioned rooms, ALWAYS. We were fanning, and wiping away our sweaty faces the whole time. 

In The Lawn, we also felt very pressured to order. Every two minutes, our waiter would come around and ask us what else we wanted. It was as if we had to order more to keep our table. We did not like that. We also didn't like the food. They can't do banana fritters right. The fish cakes were borderline yucky (parang suman). And when the bill came, we were floored because it did not match the quantity, quality and taste of what they served. 

THE LAWN CANGGU

Canggu Living.

For Christmas, I decided to take my two girls and two aunties to Bali. Instead of Seminyak, we tried Canggu because I hear a lot of good things about the area. 

Luckily, I have good luck when choosing a place in Airbnb. Here are the photos to prove it. 

We must have spent 60% of our time in the pool. 

Though we had a out little complaints about the place, in general, we were all very happy with it. 

Do I recommend the place? Yes, just make sure that you tell the contact person to have the pool cleaned before check in. 

Ishvara Luxury Villa, Canggu

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.