Pong Thoughts: Random na Random 💫💭

Hello! How’s it going? Was so pre-occupied again but I told myself that I will make time doing the things I love. And just in time, my writing soul arrived. ♥

So what is this random post truly about? I miss the beach. I need a break from the city, I guess. Just a breather. Am dreaming about Elyu. The sound of the waves, so relaxing. I was there in 2015 and it was a blast. We had a good time – me and some friends. Troublemakers is what we called ourselves, all smiles every time I remember all the things we did there. Good times!

It been a really hot summer! Super! I mean, I love the summer season, but as the Kamikazee song goes “shet sobrang inet, abot singet”. Am thinking of going to Baguio, too. Sagada is a bit far so I guess Baguio would suffice. Elyu-Baguio trip, no?

Yesterday, I was able to spend some time with Ean’s fam at The Shang. It was a rough day and I needed to get some good vibes from the kids and to really vent out. Spent an hour at JCo alone, too. Did help, but now, I am so sleepy. I need to go home early later and get a lot of sleep. Zzzzz

Rocky’s inurnment is happening on the 29^th. It’s been 9 years since he passed. Soon, it would’ve been his 32^nd birthday, too. Sometimes, I still wonder what it’ll be like if he is still here. Miss you, Rock!

Just an insertion - there's always better way to communicate matters. And unfortunately, not everyone is capable of doing so. #FACTS

It’s been a month since I joined a team of passionate young professionals and a team so generous of knowledge, there’s nothing else you’d feel but welcomed. Support has been overwhelming, too. You know the saying that if it does not feed your soul, then you should let go. Indeed, it is true. We should let go of something so heavy so we can move on smoothly. Sometimes, it is the only way, you know. Good byes are never easy but is indeed necessary.

I am to publish our Sagada-Buscalan trip as I plan to be back there soon and I need to post it before heading back. It has been long overdue. It is one of my favorite trips of my existence. Definitely worth a page on my site. Hi, Tec & Tong! ☺

Silver lining is real. You know fate always has its own ways we will never know. Thankfully, I am surrounded by a few amazing people which is more than enough. ❤

→ Sagada-Buscalan trip up next! ☺

Speak from the heart,
Pong ♥

Pong Eats: Cafe Juan Miguel

Hello! Today, we're featuring one of our newest discoveries in Cavite - Cafe Juan Miguel. 😊 It was my sister who introduced this spot to me and when I had the taste of their spring rolls, I fell in love with it right away. Just enough reason to share their foodie goodness on my blog. Yay!

CJM, Entrance

During our time of visit though, my fave Spring Roll was not available - a reason to come back. Yes? Definitely! We even had our to go pastas (snap below). 🍝

Staff were very nice. The place is cozy. You can chill with your friends, have a great chit-chat while indulging with good food. As I always say, almost everything is a best seller. Can't wait to try them all. Katakawan at its finest. Haha! They do accept reservations, too- for casual meals, private functions and on site catering. The place can accommodate 70 pax max. They have set menus ranging from PHP200/head to PHP400/head depending on your preference. Inquiring is the key. Go, give it a go! 

Hi, Tibzi. 

Inside CJM

CJM, Outside Seats

CJM, Outside Seats 

CJM Counter

I have some snaps to share - food, the place, etc. Go give it a try! Pong recommends! 👍👍👍

CJM's menu

their famous "Pangarap kong nachos", PHP260

Longsilog, PHP175

Cordon Bleu, PHP300

Pork Katsudon, PHP200

Twilight Smoothie, PHP165

Refillable Coffee for Coffee Lovers

Our to go: Cheesy Baked Penne, PHP160

To go #2: Spanish Sardines, PHP155

LOCATION:

Medicion 1st, Imus, Cavite 4103
Phone: 046 5734058, 0916 3737626

Email: cafejuanmiguel@gmail.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cafejuanmiguel/

Speak from the heart,

Pong 🐢💙

Pong Eats: Quick Palabok Fix - Pastora Pancit Palabok

Hello! Finally, I found Pastora Pancit Palabok in Quinta Market, Quiapo Manila. I have been trying to go and look for their spot since 2017 (see my previous Pancit Malabon post). Thanks to my friend and kumare, Teng for accompanying me! 💜

the legendary Pastora Pancit Palabok @ PHP60

More than 30 years of Palabok godness, Pastora's stall in Quiapo is the only one that we have in the country. They have been featured in different TV shows and in a lot of blogs and newspapers but they still remain in their humble Quinta Market abode. Kuya said that their rent for the spot is P500/day. Sounds cheap, right? Or no? They have been offered to branch out but they opted to stay in Quiapo. Who knows, konting pilit pa? 😋

When I had the chance to have a taste of Pastora's, I knew I had to put in on my blog. Thanks, Wilmae for bringing it in the office! It took me forever to post, but better late than never! 😊

Their sauce does not have any shrimp content, so it's good for those who are allergic to it. Fatty Chicharon (pork crackling), tofu in achuete (annatto seeds), squid and hard boiled eggs are the toppings that their noodle has. Quite sinful, but sinful is good in moderation. Yes?  And this legendary palabok costs PHP60 only. Try it! 😋

Price list: 
Short Order: PHP60 (ang dami, promise, you can share if you're on a diet)
Bilao: PHP450 (12 inches, 7-8 pax)
           PHP650 (13 inches 10-12 pax)
           PHP750 (14 inches, 12-13 pax)
           PHP850 (15 inches, 14-15 pax)
           PHP1000 (16 inches, 16-17 pax)
Halo-Halo: PHP60

Address:
Quinta Market, Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila 1001

Photos:

sauceless 

squid

chicharon

Ate Preppin' the pancits

sauceless #2

signage you will see

tofu

Mareng Teng enjoying her food

never an empty seat at Pastora's

Next stop: Ado's Panciteria in Pasig

Also try: Dolora's http://www.joanepong.com/2017/08/pong-eats-doloras-hauz-of-pancit-malabon.html
and Laurio's http://www.joanepong.com/2017/08/pong-eats-doloras-hauz-of-pancit-malabon.html


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Eats: The Black Apartment 😋

Hello! 😘

How's everyone? So, today, I decided to finally publish another blog.The Black Apartment post has been sitting in my drafts for a while, but better late than never, right? Here we go!

I joined my sister and her friends to go and try TBA. I knew someone from there (Hi, Marc) but he manages the Imus Branch but still, I sent him a message. And there, he called the Pag-asa Branch to have our seats reserved. We were like 12, more or less at that time. 

That's Tibzi right there - TBA, Pagasa Branch

How was our stay at TBA? Ang saya! Ang tagal namin dun! Haha! We started around 6PM and closed na kaya umalis na kami. Haha! I guess, that explains. One of the kids, si Basty, had two rounds of Smores Milkshake. Almost all of us tried different burgers, two of Ate's friends, I guess ate a rice meal. We tried their chicken wings, too. Masarap? Nag take-out pa ko! Haha! 

Basty contemplating on his 2nd Smores drink

table for 12

Congrats, TBA. I read your Facebook Profile and am happy that the business which started with group of friends just hanging out has two branches already. Love your burgers, the concept and I can say that this place is one of the ultimate hang-out for Cavite folks. 

Have some snaps to share. See below and try 'em! 

Hole in the Wall

Hot Chicks Next Door

Dark Choco Almond Milkshake

Mango Lychee

Gio & Tibz

Burger Menu

Burger Decsription - Zoom in. I hope it is clear

Menu

Drinks

BRANCHES:
Bahayang Pag-asa Branch
Sunday - Thursday: 12nn - 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 12nn - 12mn
B1 L1 Avenida Rizal St., Bahayang Pagasa Subd., Molino 3 Bacoor, Cavite
(046) 456 5321

Imus BranchMonday - CLOSED
Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday:12nn - 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 12nn - 12mn
Jed Padre Apartment C Osteria St., Medicion 1A, Imus, Cavite
(046) 5738531


speak from the heart, 
pong 🐢💙

Pong Eats: Romantic Baboy - Unlimited Cheesy Samgyeopsal now in Bacoor! 🐷🌹

Annyeong! 🐷🌹

Recently, Samgyeopsal has been the "in" thing when it comes to Korean food trip here in Manila. And why not? It's so delish! Romantic Baboy is one of the famous go-to unlimited Samgyeop for Pinoys. Finally, it has reached Cavite! Yey!

Cheesy

full house

For only PHP499.00, you'll get unlimited Pork & Beef plus 6 kinds of Side Dish, Unlimited Rice and Unlimited Veggies. Panalo di ba? May cheese pa yan! For cheese lovers, you will love this!

Unli!!

But if you opt not to do the unli samgyeop, pwede din naman. Here's their menu for that:

Menu

PROS:
1. Price is very affordable. Just make sure to come in hungry! Eat 'til you fart! LOL
2. Cheesy!!!
3. Staff were okay. There was this girl who's proactive enough - thank you!
4. If you love KPop, this is the place. They play KPop songs until closing. Hehe.
5. Their comfort room has bidet! Yaas!

CONS:
1. The music too loud. For a Tita like me, hmm, medyo ekis yun. Hehe. Good thing is, you can ask them to lower the volume.

Have some snaps to share.😉

full house. they also have second floor to accommodate more guests

entrance

herb flavored pork belly

Grilling

They use charcoals for that smoky flavor!

Try it guys! 🐷🌹

LOCATION: ZEM Commercial Center Talaba, Emilio Aguinaldo Hway, Bacoor, Cavite

(same Building as Anytime Fitness, Shopwise and Kuya J)
SERVICE WINDOW: 11am - 2am


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Casa Primera Hot Spring Resorts - Private Pool in Pansol, Laguna

Mabuhay! What is up? How's everyone? It's been ages! Haha. So, last October 20-21, I was in a Private Pool in Pansol, Laguna with some amazing people. I was at the same resort, different villa though, two years ago. Hello, Casa Primera Hot Spring Resorts - it's been a while!! ☺

Casa Primera Hot Spring Private Resort Villa 4 - Pansol, Laguna

So, like I said, circa 2016, I was at Casa Primera (Villa 2) with my colleagues. I was the one who inquired and booked Villa 2 for us. In short, organizer. Haha. During that time, I find them different among others. Why? Booking pa lang, alam mong organized na. Same thing when we arrived. They have this check list of stuff they provide their guests which are needed to be returned upon check-out (of course, ☺). And the crew were very attentive and very generous of their service and time. May pa-towel pa sila back then. Nice, right? Parang, ask them, they have it. If not, they will do something to get it for you. ☺

Casa Primera Villa 2 (photo taken 2016)

This time, we spent one night in Villa 4. See, Casa Primera is not your usual Private Resort in Laguna. Why? 

1. It is spacious. When they say that the place is good for 45 pax, 45 pax can really sleep comfortably with beds and all that. Yung iba kasi, let's admit it, beds are not enough. 
2. Aside from the warm water in their pools (water is so clean!!), they have a billiard table, darts, videoke (take note, old to new songs, they have it, umabot tayo kay Shanti Dope. Ganong level cos it's always updated), you can play table tennis, too. 
3. The place is kid friendly, too. Kids have their own spot. How sweet, yes? 
4. The materials used in their beds are not substandard. Hindi tinipid. Their bunk beds do not move at all when the person on top is moving or going down. Importante saken yun. Ayoko maistorbo pag tulog. Haha! 
5. May bidet hose! O di ba Pinoys are bidet-lovers e. Haha. Plus the rainmaker overhead shower pa.
6. They let you bring your stuff so you can cook, no corkage yan. They will let you do what ever you like (wag ka lang manira, bes, bayad ka sige. lol), but of course, in the event you need any assistance, staff are very helpful. 
7. And the price? Reasonable, as I always say. Their tag line "Dito ka na sa sigurado" wouldn't be compromised. It's like your home away from home. Thumbs up. Lakas maka-hotel e.
8. And they have their own drainage system. This is a plus. Nagets ko na 'to nung tumanda ako. Haha. Dati wapakels ako, maka-swim lang. So, sila na talaga e!

I have some snaps to share! Look how beautiful Casa Primera is. The architecture, the design, chos wala ako alam sa ganyan but maganda talaga sya. I hope my pictures will give justice to its design. Haha. You will truly have a good time. Soon to open though, is Casa Tropica. We were privileged enough to see how it's being built and I tell you, it's very promising. Excited to see those as well and share with you! Soon enough. ☺

Here ya go! ☺

Casa Primera Villa 4 

Chillin' - Casa Primera Villa 4

Casa Primera Villa 4 - view from the 2nd floor

Swimming - Casa Primera Villa 4

Casa Primera Villa 4 at night

Casa Primera - Our Room - Super spacious!

Casa Primera - this one is a smaller room

Casa Primera - Your own veranda

Casa Primera's Grand Staircase lol 

Casa Primera's Washroom downstairs

Casa Primera's Washroom downstairs

Casa Primera's Washroom in our room

Kid's will definitely enjoy, too

Billiards, anyone?! 

Casa Primera's Play Area

Table Tennis & Darts

The millennial Videoke Machine - only at Casa Primera

with the Millennial Remote Control, too - only at Casa Primera

Parking area can accommodate 6 cars

The Original Buko Pie! Rapsa!

HOW TO GO TO CASA PRIMERA HOT SPRING PRIVATE RESORTS:

Address: 
Daang Pag-ibig St., Nayong Maharlika VIllage, Brgy. Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna 4027 

Private Vehicle: From Manila, head down south via SLEX and take Calamba Exit. Drive straight towards the Calamba town proper junction and turn right. Drive another 8km and when you see the Iglesia ni Cristo church on the left side, turn left on the next street and follow the Casa Primera Laguna Hot Spring Signages.  PS: You can also use the WAZE or GOOGLE MAPS app on your smartphone. Just search for “Casa Primera”

Public Bus: From Manila, take the HM or Greenstar bus, en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Their terminals are located at the corners of Buendia & Taft Ave.. These buses will bring you within reach of the resort. Once you reach the National Hwy in Calamba, look for Monte Vista and Southwinds resort on the right then Iglesia ni Cristo church on your left. You can get off the bus and follow the Casa Primera Laguna Hot Spring Signages.

https://casaprimera.com/location


RATES:
https://casaprimera.com/private-resort-in-laguna

CONTACT THEM:

Mobile | Viber | WhatsApp:  09175389849 / 09257983002
Manila Landline: (02) 9983002
Skype Username: casaprimera
Email: info@casaprimera.com
Website: https://casaprimera.com/



speak from the heart, 
pong 🐢💙