Why I Run: A Gastronomic Tour of the Philippines

Traveling is what I love to do. While I may not be a hearty eater, I love to try a place's favorite local dish to get a taste of their culture. These taste tests accumulate and I have to work it off somehow. That is why, when I am not travelling, I run.

Here are just some of my favorite from my travels across the country:

1. Iloilo: Batchoy

Aside from spanish colonial churches and mansions, or its pristine beaches, Iloilo boasts of its delectable La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo. Get a swiff of the sweet and salty aroma and you might forget your name. Read on how to get to Iloilo, here.

2. Camarines Sur: Laing Pizza

The Bicol Region boasts of its sweet and chili cuisine. Familiarize your tastebuds with food infused with coconut milk with the Laing Pizza at the CWC. Read on how to get to CWC and the Caramoan Islands, here and here.

3. Manila: Steak

While it is perplexing how one can ruin a perfectly good piece of steak, some still do. Better be safe than sorry. Get your fix of meat heaven in the country's capital.

4. Capiz: Oysters

Have your fill of seafood all year round. After all, Capiz is the seafood capital of the Philippines. It definitely lives up to its name.

5. Bohol: Sea Urchin

Fresh as it can be, Sea Urchins are opened right in front of you at Virgin Island. Eat them raw with vinegar. Read about what you should not miss while in Bohol, here.

6. Tagaytay: Native Food

Drive along Tagaytay's main throughfare and you get to travel around the world. Almost every major cuisine is represented. But having maruya or any local native food for that matter with some coffee or tea will bring back sweet childhood memories you thought you already forgot.

7. Batanes: Homemade Pizza

Tourists have been raving about the homey pizza place in the northernmost tip of the country.They say it's all in the dough, which is freshly made from scratch by the house chef-owner. Read on how to get to Batanes, here.

The Philippines is a beautiful and diverse place. While Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences can be found in our food, we take pride in the uniquely Filipino flavor in our local dishes. Try us! Just run it off when you get home. That's what I do. *wink*

Relax at Marugo Mountain Resort

 

Located just three kilometers away from the town of Tapaz in the Province of Capiz in the Philippines is a lake known as Marugo. The lake is actually a dam, made to irrigate the nearby San Juan, San Antonio and San Pedro farm lands. The enterprising Palomar Family, who owns a 38 hectare land right in front of the lake, created this peaceful resort right in the middle of the green mountains and hills of Capiz on September of 2008.

 

 

To truly savour the tranquil environment, hop on  a floating cottage (Php 500) and let yourself be transported to an entirely different world and swim to your hearts delight in the blue green water of the lake. The floating cottage can accomodate up to 15 persons. The swimming pool situated on top of the hill is presently restricted to visitors.

 

 

Side cottages (Php 200) are also available for the faint of heart. Your experience will not be complete without food, so bring your picnic baskets. The resort has no restaurant (yet), but there is a small sari-sari store where you can buy chichirias (junk food), sodas, plastic cups, etc. Note that the resort is only open for day tours until 6pm daily.  Click here for more pictures.

 

 

Mountain Marugo Resort
Sitio Marugo, San Antonio, Tapaz, Capiz
marugoresort@yahoo.com

Contacts:
Nanette Jaime: 09183875111
Charity Mae Guerra: 09193061717 or 09392212373

 

Getting There:

Iloilo City is the best jump-off point going to the town of Tapaz in Capiz. There are several airlines with routes going to Iloilo daily. From Iloilo City, take a Tapaz-bound bus (about 1.5 hours). RoRo buses from Manila pass by the town of Calinog, the town adjacent to Tapaz. From Calinog, take a Tapaz-bound bus (about 30 minutes). The lake is not accessible to the highway, hence it is best to bring your own or hire a vehicle from the town Tapaz or Calinog.