Day Trip: Camayan Beach Club

December was chockful of get-togethers, with some activities bleeding in to the other. The holidays could be exhausting, but when it comes to being with friends, you make time. My law school classmates and I decided to ditch the usual Manila venues and go on a day trip to Subic's Camayan Beach Club instaed. 

We left Manila before 7 am and we handily reached our destination in less than 3 hours. The travel time included a detour to one of the gas stations along the expressway for a quick breakfast. 

The place was not overrun by people, which I like, and there were lifeguards posted nearby the cabana we rented. We brought snacks and drinks to last us the whole day and had lunch in the resort restaurant which served food that was more than decent.

Ready cash for entrance fee and cabana rentals.

A Visit to Roxas City, the Country's Seafood Capital

Last September I was fortunate to visit Roxas City, touted as the seafood capital of the county. Any doubts as to its renown was laid to rest  when we were presented with our breakfast, pictured below. 

Note the coconut trees reflected in the spoon. How I wished our trip was
non-work related, but you make do with what you have

I did not post this right away, because when I was about to, typhoon Haiyan swept through the Visayas. I hope things are on the mend in Roxas. Please note that this was a couple of months before the storm, and I'm really hoping things are already okay.

When in Roxas, a trip to the Seafood Court at the People's Park in Barangay Baybay is a must.

The Seafood Court is where you get fresh seafood at ridiculously low prices. The baked scallops were divine. the place reminds me of Iloilo's Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood.

If Cebu has Taboan Public Market, Roxas City has Banica for danggit and other dried fish and seafood.

At Banica dried fish section, the danggit and the kraken are cheap compared to similar items at the mall or supermarket. Aside from producing dried fish, similar products from Bicol and the Visayas find their way in Roxas 

For fresh fish and seafood, the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center is the place to go. 

My colleagues had their fill of scallops, shrimps, and crabs. 

Our event took place at the El Circulo Convention Center in Pueblo de Panay, a mixed used development located at the southern part of the city.

teenagers dancing the tinikling greeted us as we approached the seminar hall

At the tiangge, I scored these assorted cinnamon rolls from Cinnamonhauz. The bestseller is the ube variant (center of photo). They are located at Stall 43, Capiz Government Business Center, San Roque Extension, Roxas City. You can reach them at 0918-437-3819.

In my next trip, I plan to visit the island of Olotayan, Panay's mini-Boracay, pictured at the background. Olotayan is from the ulo (head) and tayan (torso) of a mythical giant that once roamed Capiz. And speaking of Bora, it's only a few hours bus ride from Roxas.

'Til my next post

Pasalubong Options 4: Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Cebu

Today's edition of pasalubong options are either travel souvenirs (the lechon) or gifts from fellow travelers. 

1. Bulacan's Dolores Special Pork Chicharon

If you want your chicharon (fried pork rinds) with bite, this one's for you. It has just the right saltiness, with a slight spicy aftertaste.

2. Negros Occidental's Er's Special Peanuts 

These salty, non-greasy, garlicky peanuts are addicting.

3. Cebu's Ayer Lechon 

Bought this from the Cebu airport. Some say this is better than Zubochon lechon. as Cebu lechons go, this one is very tasty--you can eat it without the usual liver-based sauce. Another plus is the thin layer of fat.