On finding a good Ilocos Empanada

I don't know how many times I've been to Ilocos since Hubby and I got together but I can count how many times I've eaten an Ilocos empanada!  ZERO!!! Haha . . .We haven't eaten one in the many times we've been there!  I guess because we know that we always go there anyway plus I am not really a fan of this empanada because I didn't like it the first time I tried it . . .in Manila!  I know, I know, I should know better.  Of course I have to try it in its birth place!  

As they say, everybody deserves a second chance . . . including this empanada!  Haha!

After we checked in at Hotel Luna, we had some time to spare before attending the 7PM Sunday mass in St. Paul Cathedral in the Plaza.  We thought this is a good time to get some.

My sister told me that the two famous empanadas in Vigan are Irene's and CJ's.  Our Aunt though recommended Insiang's which she has personally tried and liked.  Now, if a local tells you that it is good, you have trust them because they know what they are talking about!

We walked along the streets of Vigan and we couldn't find it (because we got the wrong directions, haha).  We asked several locals but somehow they couldn't give us an answer (a bad sign? haha). We were even second guessing ourselves if we have the right name!  

But we (our tummies) didn't give up!

But thanks to Manong Kutsero, we found Insiang's!  

Yes, it exists! Haha

Literally, a roadside eatery.

There is a funny story about the picture below.  The table wasn't there when we got there.  They literally pulled out the table from somewhere (ala bunny out of the hat trick, haha) and just set it up for us when we told them we are going to "dine-in". 

Food adventure ba kamo?  haha

Since we were on a rush (because we are still going to attend Mass), we just ordered Empanada. They actually have different choices for Empanada (e.g. Special, Double, etc.) and they also have Okoy.

So here it is. . . Insiang's Empanada!  (aka the first Ilocos Empanada which I loved, haha)

Best when eaten hot and with Sukang Iloko!  I love how the crust is thin and crispy and not doughy.

I also like how the egg yolk came out runny.  I am not sure if this was meant to be runny or if it was just probably fried quickly than the rest but at any rate, this worked well for me!

I love that Insiang uses Papaya instead of Cabbage for Empanada.  They said there are times that they use Cabbage if there is no Papaya on hand.  

Side story: My sister got the chance to eat Empanada in Paoay (a place North of Ilocos) and she told me that they (at least the one that she tried) have an orange-colored crust which is thicker versus the empanada which we had in Vigan (down South) which we had.  One difference too is that the empanada from the North uses cabbage and togue as filling.

If there is one thing that Insiang's can improve on, we wish there was more meat (they use Vigan Longganisa) in it.  The longganisa they use is actually good.  We liked the Empanada so much that we ordered 50 pcs of Empanada to bring back home (to share with family and friends), haha! We also ordered longganisa from them.  We appreciate that they delivered everything to our hotel too.  

I have yet to try the other empanadas in Vigan but for now, I am happy to say that I enjoy eating the Ilocos Empanada now, thanks to Insiang's! (Agyamanak Manang Insiang!)

In case you are wondering about the Empanadas we brought back home, I have to say that they are really best when eaten hot and freshly cooked.  We re-heated them in a toaster and let them cool for a bit (so they will get crispy) and still enjoyed eating them the day after.

Do you have a favorite Ilocos Empanada?  Care to share?  😁

Insiang's

Calle Salcedo and V. De Los Reyes St.

near Gordion Hotel

Vigan City

Summer Destination: Hotel Luna in Vigan

My father never liked travelling by plane and by boat. . . at all!  I think besides it being included in his list of "Worst Ways To Die", he just really doesn't like being away from home.  The only time he left (with my mom) to travel was when he went to the US (I think I was 12 years old that time). It was a very important trip that he MUST take.  And since my parents were out of the country, they thought they might as well include a few cities in Europe.  Well, I'm glad they did because that was the last time he went overseas!

But one thing he doesn't mind doing is take road trips.

My family (my parents and siblings) was actually thinking of going to Ilocos with me and Hubby (we were planning to visit his grandmother) last month but somehow it didn't happen.  Looking back, I'm glad it didn't because he started not feeling well the day we left for Ilocos.  

(We took a vacation in PH for close to a month last April.  During the last week of our vacation, he got hospitalized twice.  He got out of the hospital a couple of days before we are scheduled to leave for LA.  I think he mustered all his strength so he can bring us to the airport---which he did.  When we were saying our goodbyes, I hugged him and told him that he owes me a trip to Baguio and that we would do more fun stuff the next time we come back.  After a couple of days, he passed away . . . and I went back home to see him for the last time).

I wish I had the chance to take more road trips with him.  As fate would have it, he went ahead and took a long journey.

Daddy, I hope you are resting well.  I know you miss our home but I am sure you are having the best accommodations you can ever ask for.  We miss you everyday. 

* I started writing this blog post before Dad passed away and never got the chance to finish it until today.  I wish Daddy had the chance to stay in this hotel because I am sure he'll enjoy. . . the breakfast buffet! =)

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Every time we go home to Philippines, we visit Hubby's grandparents (his mom's side of the family) who live in Ilocos Sur (which is around 320 kilometers away from where we live),  During our visit last year, we stayed at our favorite hotel in Vigan,  Then we saw a newly opened hotel which looked nice so we took note of it and thought of trying it the next time we go to Ilocos.  And that is exactly what we did last month.

Welcome to Hotel Luna!

As they say, first impressions last.  This hotel did a good job in making a lasting one the minute I entered the hotel lobby.  What I like about this hotel is it blends the old with a touch of modern elegance.
  

The ceiling in the lobby was adorned by a beautiful sun made of bronze and its rays are made of carved wood.  I've read from an Inquirer article that this piece was made by Mulawin Abueva, the son of our country's National Artist for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva.

I've read that this heritage property was built in 1882 and was given as a wedding gift by Don Jose Florentino to his daughter.  This hotel is hailed as the only museum-hotel in the country because you get to see various Art works/masterpieces displayed around the hotel (you will even see an Orlina glass sculpture piece in Comedor where we have breakfast every monring) done by National and contemporary Artists.

  

Piece by Ramon Orlina

Piece by Guillermo Tolentino

Stairs leading to the Second Floor . . .

where you can find a sala which serves as a gallery for various Art pieces. 

Some of which include the works of

Cesar Legaspi

Fernando Amorsolo

Face to face with a Juan Luna Painting from the 1880s

Ben Cab

In the courtyard, you will see a 3D mural wall by Rene Robles which shows famous landmarks of Ilocos Sur.  (I wish I've gotten a better picture!)

A staff of the hotel told me that only 30% of the original structure has been renovated.  Can you imagine that there were people from the 1880s who also touched these walls?  

If only these walls could talk . . . .

This is the new addition to the heritage property . . . four levels of hotel accommodations which include 44 guest rooms and a number of suites.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS

For our group (3 adults and 2 toddlers), I got a Double Queen Deluxe Rooms.  The published price for this room is Php 6,000/night . . . but I got mine for Php,3.500 which includes buffet breakfast for 3 adults! (Yayyy!)  Thanks to www.asiatravel.com!  (This is my favorite booking site for hotels)

I love the room because it's clean!

It came with a separate toilet and bath.

"Mama, I want to rest"

We were impressed with the toilet seat the hotel used because it is those kind that you see in Japan (yep, those things that come with buttons, temperature and this even had a water jet adjustment!)

Breakfast was served in Comedor.  I was surprised with how extensive the buffet spread was.  They had cereals, bread, salad, soup, hot dishes (around 7-8 hot dishes).  There's even an egg and pancake/waffle station. (Burp!  Excuse me. . . )

For walk-in guests, buffet breakfast is priced at Php 495 (if I remember it right)---super worth it!

There was a lot of food but I am already happy with the danggit (dried fish) and dried pusit (squid)!  (Don't forget the vinegar!)

While Hubby was happy with the Vigan Longganisa (which I loved too) and Bacon! =)

Besides Comedor, the hotel also has a bar (Chula Saloon Bar) where you can go for some drinks, bar chow, good for a nightcap.

The hotel also has a Roof deck which has lounge seats which is perfect for late afternoons.  I think this can be rented for private events too.

But more than the beautiful hotel and its facilities, I am impressed with the kind of service that all the hotel staff (every single one!) I have dealt with have shown.  And this just gives me enough reason to go back to Hotel Luna next time.   I highly recommend this hotel!

For more details about Hotel Luna, please visit their web page. and FB page.

Summer Destination: Fontana Villas in Clark

I am writing this post from home. . . my first home!  Yes, we're back in Philippines for some vacation time!  I am very thankful to my loving husband who totally understands why I had to go back home (we just moved to LA last year) and see my family again.  We arrived a couple of weeks ago and we're leaving in a week! (I don't even want to think about it, I haven't looked at the calendar since we arrived, haha!)  There are just so many things we still want to do, places to go and people to meet up with!  *Sigh*

But I am soooo happy we're back and I want to share with you some of the things we've done these past few weeks starting with this post.

Growing up, one of the things my family loves to do is rent a place with a pool (because we  prefer a pool over a beach, haha) and spend the whole day swimming and eating!  

This summer, my sister thought of renting a Villa in Fontana Leisure Park which is located inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.  Though this place is just around 35 kilometers away from us, this is our first time to visit and use the park's facilities and stayed overnight.

The Fontana Leisure Park sits on a really HUGE property and has a casino, a hotel, a golf course, several pools (they even have a wave pool) --- all of which we haven't tried because we just stayed at the villa, haha!  There are function rooms and there is a convention hall too.  For accommodations, they have the hotel rooms, villas and townhouses to choose from.  (For more details about Fontana, please click on this link.)

My sister booked our 3-room villa through Asiatravel.  When we were checking in around 2pm, the villa wasn't ready!  But we were cool about it though we haven't eaten lunch at this time, haha!

This was the Villa that welcomed us . . . 

As you enter the villa, you would see the Living and Dining Room.

I love that this place was spacious and clean!

The brown door in the above photo is a storage room and beside that is a bathroom and another  room with a single bed (for the house angels or drivers).

The Villa also has a kitchen that comes with a ref, electric kettle and single electric stove.  Btw, there is NO microwave oven, cooking utensils and cutlery in this kitchen.  If you plan to do some cooking, I suggest you bring what you will need.  This wasn't really a problem for us because we just went to SM Clark (located in Clark too) and bought food, haha! 

Hallway leading to the three bedrooms (they all come with bathrooms)  . . . 

These photos were taken the day after so pardon for the mess, heehee.

This was our room.  The lounge chair was perfect for the Princess, we didn't need an extra bed.

I wasn't able to take a photo of the Master's Bedroom but this was its bathroom, it was the only one with a tub.

And the kids' favorite area!

Just perfect for a cook out right?! =)

I love the layout of the villa because it maximizes all the space and still gives everyone so much space to go around!

For large groups, this kind of villa is a good and comfortable place to stay . . . and partehhh! =) 

You may find mixed reviews for Fontana online.  In our experience, we enjoyed our stay in this particular villa.

Hope you're enjoying your summer vacation as much as we do!

Late Post: Nanay Pacing's from Baler

There are a few things I know about Baler.  It is a town in the province of Aurora in Philippines where the local film entitled "Baler"was also shot.  Probably the most unforgettable story about this place is about the Siege of Baler where a group of Spanish soldiers refused to surrender and besieged the Church of Baler where they stayed for over a year until they finally gave up, signifying the end of Spanish rule in Philippines. 

Baler has also become a favorite surfing spot in the Philippines which means more tourists are exploring the place! (Woohoo!) 

But this post is not really about Baler (haha!) but it's about something from Baler!

We got these (and suman) as pasalubong (gift) . . .

I'm not fond of Coco Jam but this is one Coco Jam that I like!

The peanut butter has the right amount of sweetness, it's creamy and easy to spread.  (I actually prefer our local peanut butter over imported ones)

I haven't been to Baler and I do hope I get the chance to go someday.  

If you are and looking for pasalubong, I recommend Nanay Pacing's Peanut Butter and Coco Jam! =)

For more details about Nanay Pacing, please visit their FB page =)

To know more about Baler, please click on this link.

On Making a Difference

It has been over a week now since tropical cyclone Yolanda (recorded as one of world's strongest typhoon, if not the strongest) hit our country (Philippines) which greatly affected Eastern Visayas (Leyte, Samar, Capiz, Iloilo, Palawan).

It is truly heartbreaking to see the devastation brought by this Super Typhoon. . . most especially the pain and anguish of the survivors brought about by the loss of the their loved ones.

Heartbreaking . . . yet heartwarming at the same time.  Amidst the chaos in this tragedy, one gets to see, read and hear stories (and there are many!) that are inspiring and uplifting.  

I am sharing with you one of the many stories which I've read in FB that tugged my heart strings.  

These kids don't have a lot (may not even have enough) but made a way to contribute and empathize with the survivors.  These kids have shown that there are more ways than one to help those who need it the most. 

As what a person close to me said, "The needs are enormous; no matter how much we can do, it is a drop in the bucket.  But many "drops" can help make a difference."

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!  Here's to making a difference! 

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PAANONG HINDI TAYO TUTULONG KAPAG GANITO?

A touching story from MAYETTE CINCO. Even street kids donate what they can to the typhoon victims, despite their poor conditions. How can we not help?

Bigas, Sardinas at Trenta Pesos...

The boys and i decided to drop by the grocery after church this afternoon to buy the stuff we would be sending to Tacloban City tomorrow. Nearing our house, We saw five Tawi kids waiting for us at the gate. With a smile they greeted us and handed me a small paper bag and said ' Pakisama nyo pa po ito sa ipadadala nyo bukas sa mga binagyo. Nangalakal po kami para din sa kanila..Sana po makatulong.' I opened the bag and saw a kilo of rice, 2 sardines and three ten peso coins..Ung trenta po pambili nila duon ng tinapay para hindi mayupi sa byahe.' I held the precious bag so tight & assured the boys that their donation will surely help kids in Tacloban. I know how hard they worked today just so they could share. It's not easy being chased by dogs & cops and be bullied by all sorts of 'tambays' in the streets of Rizal..Not easy to walk the entire day looking for scraps in every street garbage drums..but they braved the heat of the sun and all other challenges just to come up with what they think would be of help to others..I said to myself, nahihiya ako sa kanila..hindi ako naaawa, humahanga ako kasi hindi lahat kayang magbigay ng may kalakip na sakripisyo..so often we give from our spare..but these kids gave out of the only things they've got..Reminds me of the poor widow who gave 2 pennies for the Lord..She gave her all for the Master and that made all the difference... God bless, beautiful children of the Savior..."