Victorino’s: A taste of the North in Quezon City

It wasn’t Paoay Church or Blue Lagoon that captured my heart the first time I set foot in Ilocos, it was actually Vigan longganisa. And I’m happy to find an authentic Ilocano restaurant in Quezon City that serves my favorite Ilocano dish.

Owned by the family of Ilocos Sur Vice Governor DV Savellano, Victorino’s is a home-themed restaurant specializing in Ilocano cuisine. It was named in honor of their late father - former mayor and judge Victorino Savellano of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Treasure trove of chichacorn

Panutsa

Masa podrida

Wreath of garlic

Pako salad

Longganisa platter

Bagnet

Turon nga saba

Brewed lungo forte

I feel guilty right after eating the bagnet with all its yummylicious taba. But then I’m just human, judgmental at times. And no matter how mouthwatering and colorful as Christmas, Chef Heny Sison’s cakes are, I think they truly belong to the future.

Victorino’s

#11 Jamboree cor. Sct. Rallos

Laging Handa, Quezon City

The Manor at Camp John Hay

You might think I don’t care with what you’re going through. But I do. It’s just that sometimes, I feel like my life is controlled by what is and not what I want.

If only the truth is as easy telling you like Baguio on the average is eight degrees cooler than any places in the lowland or that the Manor is undoubtedly the quintessential recreation destination in the city of Pines, perhaps you’ve already heard it from me right from the start.

Pres. Manuel Quezon guarding the Manor

   

Feel the log cabin warmth of the Piano Bar by the open fireplace

Deluxe room with garden view

Do you know the Manor has a secret Jacuzzi?

The spa

Children's playroom

Le Chef

Warm bread

Seafood pasta

Grilled salmon

Souffle

Fresh luscious strawberries

The enchanted garden

The tip of Manor's totem pole of bravery

Bell House

The Lost Cemetery

Bell amphitheather

A cold, foggy morning

I can’t expect to smell the sweet scent of pine trees or taste fresh strawberries everyday, but I’m certain it’s best to fight for things worth keeping. And I would be lying if I tell you that everything never mattered.

The Manor at Camp John Hay

Loakan Rd., Baguio City
Tel. No.: 687-6710, (074) 424-0931 to 43

Know the difference between what you are getting and what you deserve

Don’t be afraid to lose someone

who doesn’t feel lucky to have you.

Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen, Katipunan

What’s the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to eat something remarkable like basil ice cream?

I would love to go to Tagaytay and visit the original Bawai’s, and perhaps meet in person the bawai (maternal grandmother) behind this authentic Vietnamese restaurant. I would like to know more about how she fell in love with a Filipino when she was still a young girl in Saigon, her journey to the Philippines, where she eventually settled to be with her husband. Good thing, they opened a branch in Katipunan, I need not go all the way to Tagaytay just to try their hot noodles and basil ice cream.

Goi cuon

Nem nuong

Curry ga

Bun bo xao

Banh da lon

Basil ice cream

I love the place. It looks refreshing green like their food. I feel healthy already.

Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen

#79 Katipunan Ave., Bellitudo

White Plains, Quezon City

Tel. No.:  442-8874