Traveller's Dining Depot

Durano EcoFarm and Spring Resort

Travelling Writer — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:37:04 +0000

It’s been a long time since we haven’t written any blog. Shall I say, we have been busy for a while. A lot of life-changing decisions has to be made and adjustments that need to be conquered over time. We miss this part of our life wherein we get to sit and simply share one of the best and worse in Cebu and the rest of the country.

Stairway to the cold spring

We celebrated our 4th year anniversary in one of the best places I’ve been, Durano Ecofarm and Spring Resort. This is one of the places in Cebu wherein it would just take you about 2-3 hours bus ride from the city and a 15-20 minute habal-habal ride. It is one of the places that is very easy to find. Just take a bus ride at North terminal and take a stop at Carmen Market. From Carmen Market, habal-habal drivers are just visible and can take you to that place. Durano EcoFarm is just a few meters ahead Mt.Uragay Mountain Spring and Resort. The road is winding and a bit bumpy though.

Time for a cold dip

When you reach Durano EcoFarm and Spring Resort, you may not see the 5 pools that surround the area yet but instead a friendly staff will meet you at the entrance. Eventually, you have to go down the stairs (and I mean a lot of stairs) before you can reach haven. When I first saw the place, I fell in love with it. The spring resort is in the middle of a forest wherein all you can hear are people laughing, chirping of birds, calming sound of the crickets, breeze of the trees, gushing sound of the river and the elegance of its ambiance. I can indeed say, I am in paradise.

On a hot summer day, one just crave to be in a cold place. This is the perfect summer get away, far away from the city, from buildings, from cars, pollution and the city life. All you can see is just a forest that surround the cold spring. A forest in a perfect untouched habitat, this is the place we call ‘green’.

Nature’s Beauty

We stayed overnight in the mountain spring resort. We had a reservation for a cottage, a tent and we had brought along a tent with us too. We were allowed to grill our food at a spot where we were comfortable and eventually took a dip in the cold spring. They had 5 different pools that would range from kiddie up to 10ft deep. It is safe to bring your kids along. It was raining in the late afternoon but it just made the whole experience even more dramatic. Seeing the drops of rain from the trees, hearing the flowing sound of the river and listening to the different sounds of animals in the forest are the most memorable moments I had in the place. I am far away from the city but this is what I call home.

Enjoying the cold spring

At night time, you can create your own bonfire to keep you warm throughout the night. Mobile signals can rarely be found but it is the best way to cherish every moment with your friends and family who’s with you on that trip. I am also impressed by the way the staff attended to the needs of their customers. You can visibly see them all around the place and by every request you make, they would surely try to deliver in the most appropriate time and in the best manner. Though we only had a short time in Durano EcoFarm and Spring Resort but it will surely be a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will surely visit this place again. If you want to get away from the city life and be with nature at its best condition, then this is the perfect place that we can recommend.

Having the time of our lives

USJR Grand Alumni Homecoming 2012

Travelling Writer — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 13:32:58 +0000

Rainbow-inspired motif

Table Centerpiece

Buffalo Wings

Crispy Pancit Canton

University of San Jose Recoletos Grand Alumni Homecoming 2012

Fish Fillet with Aioli Dip

DebzTer’s Heaven Lechon

Meaty Potato Casserole

Buffet Table Centerpiece

Cebu International Academy Inauguration 2012

Travelling Writer — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 20:45:33 +0000

Red Carpet

CIA Inauguration Ceremony 2012

Chicken Cordon Bleu in Aioli Dip

Brazilian Pork Barbecue with Grilled Nori

Fishbowl Centerpiece

Cebu International Academy

Fishbowl Centerpiece

Flower Decoration with Fishbowl Centerpiece

Mexican Baked Ribs

Buffet Table

VIP’s Table

Table Set Up

VIPs’ Tables

Velez College – Physical Therapy Acquaintance Party 2012

Travelling Writer — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 04:20:07 +0000

Over-all Setup

Fish Fillet with Mango Cream Dip

Mongolian Bihon

Buffet Table # 1

Buffet Table # 2

Buffet Table # 3

Buffet Table # 4

Buffet Table # 5 and DebzTer’s Heaven Lechon

Buffet Table # 5

Beef Afritada

Cheesy Eggplant in Aioli Dip

Centerpiece

Mass Wedding 2012

Travelling Writer — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 23:43:50 +0000

Wedding Cake

4-Layer Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake

Souvenirs

The Overall Setup

The Buffet Table

The Table Setup

Chicken Lollipop with Aioli Dip

Inatayan

Bam-i

Buko – Pandan Salad and a Set of Tropical Fruits

The Buffet Table

Chocolate Fondue

The Overall Setup

The Table Setup

Tables and Chairs

The Presidential Table

Mass Wedding Project by PICE

Satisfaction Guaranteed Reviews June 2012 – November 2012

Travelling Writer — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:14:18 +0000

ChoCoffee Panna Cotta

Leche Flan

Blueberry – Oreo Cheesecake

ChoCoffee Panna Cotta

Leche Flan

Pork Teriyaki

Neneng’s Homecoming

Travelling Writer — Thu, 31 May 2012 08:19:45 +0000

The Buffet Table

The set-up

Pinoy Bam-i

Pork Spring Roll

Leche Flan

Redn Chocolate Fondue

Pork Estofado

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Red Chocolate Fondue

Cebu Contractors Association Fellowship 2012

Travelling Writer — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:17:53 +0000

The buffet table

Seafood Pancit Guisado

Two of the BEST

Mexican Baked Ribs

Spicy Chicken Buffalo Wings

A set of tropical fruits

Buko – Mango Melody

Chicken Cordon Bleu in Aioli Dip

Calamares Pritos in House 67 Dip

Fish Fillet in Mango Cream Dip

The overall set-up

Jawili Falls

Travelling Writer — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:56:16 +0000

Summer only happens once a year but if you are in the Philippines, the perfect summer location will never be as scarce as hen’s teeth. The Philippine archipelago has so much to offer when it comes to amazing beaches and beautiful waterfalls. For the 7,107 islands, you will never run out of places to discover. The good thing is that summer is finally here and we are in the mood to explore the calming wonders of our land. So, gear up and let’s now travel to the divine nature of Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan.

Welcome to Jawili Falls Eco-Park

Jawili Falls

Tangalan is a municipality in Aklan and is currently working on some tourists spots, including the Jawili Falls. The falls is just an hour away from Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. Since the falls is famous of its 7 water basins, there was never a second thought in visiting the enchanting pride of the barrio of Jawili. During our trip, we were entertained by the fantastic view of the mountains and the rice crops. When we reached the falls, we felt nothing but heartfelt interest.

This is one of the 7 basins… Looks like a pool

This is the passageway to the last basin

The basins

Jawili Falls is indeed a joy to everyone because it gives a sense of adventure to those who want one and a sense of appreciation to those who loves nature. The falls is being managed by the Municipal of Jawili in order to promote tourism in their place. The slippery rocks of the waterfalls and the kind heat of the sun made us enjoy summer so much. Hiking during summertime may be a tough way for an exercise but we never felt the pressure due to the mere fact that the falls have 7 basins, which we can have a stop over and be basked under the sun. Without a doubt, summer is more fun when you are in Jawili Falls.

DebzTer @Jawili Falls

Boracay please, not Bora

Travelling Writer — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:22:53 +0000

Boracay… The name that not only defines a white sand beach but also a perfect way to enjoy the summer heat. Located in the northwest corner of the Panay Island, the world-class beach has always been a beauty in the eyes of both locals and foreigners. Aside from the tropical heat and summer sea breeze, this multi-awarded island also offers fun activities that will never leave a dull moment during your stay. The flawless white sand of Boracay allures every visitor like a gentleman attracted to a pretty lady. As for me, feeling the absolute sand against my feet has been my heart’s desire eversince and that desire had finally become a reality.

Boracay Island…

Our journey started in Kalibo, Aklan, where we rode a van-for-hire vehicle to Caticlan and the fare was just a hundred pesos per person. It was an almost 2-hour trip but the view of the municipalities and towns basically entertained our excited eyes. Upon reaching the Caticlan Jetty Port, three windows welcomed us. The first window is for the pumpboat charge, which cost Php 25 for the day trip and Php 30 for the night navigation. The second window is for the environmental and admission fee that cost Php 75 only. Finally, the third window is for the terminal payment, which cost Php 100. When we were done with all the necessary charges, we then positioned ourselves in the pumpboat for the 10-min travel and apparently, “Boracay, here we come”.

Welcome to Caticlan Jetty Port!

Windows 1, 2 and 3 of Caticlan Jetty Port!!

Tickets!!! Tickets… Tickets.

This is the pumpboat to access the island from Caticlan.

We may be worn out from the trip but it never stopped us from exploring the wonders of the island. While my partner and I were walking on the sugary sand, the warmth of the sea breeze gave us the pleasure and thrill of our very first Boracay experience. When the sea waters rush against the seashore, they leave behind a faultless bed of sand and we look at it with insatiable admiration. The Beachfront path, like an ordinary sidewalk, has a lot of establishments along it where you can shop and dine. What caught my attention the most is the signage that says, “Boracay please, not Bora”. The signage can be found anywhere in the beachfront to support the movement to stop using ‘Bora’ to express the Boracay island.

Passageway at the d*mall towards station 2.

The island offers parasailing and kiteboarding!!

‘You are here!!’

Care for a souvenir? Handpainted shirts are for sale!!!

Consequently, the sun took its rest, however the people had risen from their sweet slumber. The darkness overshadowed the beach thus creating an environment suitable for what we call “night life”. After dinner, me and my partner then strolled around the beach to check what Boracay can offer. We then saw MO2 and spent a couple of hours there drinking and feeling the atmosphere. When we felt the intoxication rushing into our system, we then resumed our ambulatory escapade and found a place where reggae music filled the ambience. To our cheerful joy, the reggae band paused to give way for the fire dancers. Without further ado, let the fire dance!

MO2 in Boracay

Reggae jammin!!

Burn, baby, burn!!!

Fire dancing @Boracay!!!

Caught on fire…

The Boracay experience was indeed unforgettable, though we only stayed there overnight. My partner and I really fell in love with the island. It was an honor for us to be in the internationally renowned beach that we Filipinos own. My partner and I truly felt the pride walking along the shores of a highly respected place in our very own land. The name of that place is worth all the respect, so it should be Boracay please, not Bora.

Goodbye, Boracay!!! Til next time…

We rode the van directly to the airport because we had a flight to catch!

DebzTer @Boracay