Hungrily, a food delivery app in Naga City

Midweek, lazy to go outside of the office and to drive for lunch. I finally decided to try Hungrily, an app which allows Nagueños to order from a handful of restaurants (25+ and counting) here in the city and have it delivered right to your doorstep. I miss Japan-Japan located in Mariano Village in Magsaysay and it’s not found in the main thoroughfares of Naga too. If I will go there for lunch, it will take me around 20 minutes max just get there and another 20 minutes  going back because of city traffic from where I work. Add up the waiting time for the cooking. So I ordered the following via Hungrily.

Hungrily is a food delivery app that brings together top restaurants and food brands from Naga City into a beautiful digital platform.With a few taps, you can have your favorites delivered to where you are, hassle-free.If you don't like dealing with traffic, are too busy to go out for dinner, have a study session with friends, hosting a dinner party, or simply  hungry or something delicious, this app is for you.

Placed my order at 11:02 am. The app is very easy to navigate, just a few taps and your order is ready to be processed. After 8 minutes, I received a phone call confirming my order. Food arrived at 12:12. An hour of waiting time is not bad at all. Take note, I ordered a Ramen so I was a bit worried that it won’t be hot anymore. From 1 to 10, 10 being the "hottest", the Ramen was on an 8 level of "hotness". Just perfect to be eaten! Hungrily saves the day, cuts the travel time from my work place to this hole in the wall foodie destination in Naga.

Hungrily is very ideal for someone (like me) who from time to time gets bored eating from the same food sources within my work place. Hungrily saves the day for someone who sometimes get caught with paper works on a lunch break or even on meriendas.Delivery charge is very competitive, sulit lalo na kapag in bulk ang order. Download the app now! Available both for iOS and Android devices.

Japan-Japan by Mitsuo San

CLICK HERE for a review about Japan-Japan

At first, I really wanted something from Japan-Japan and Infinitea at the same time. So I messaged Hungrily via their Facebook Page and asked the questions: “Is it possible to order from two establishments at the same time? Does it mean there will be two delivery charges?” As of writing, it’s not possible to order from two establishments in one transaction. You’ll have to do separate transactions for every restaurant with a separate delivery charge of course. Hopefully Hungrily can explore on this option and have a separate amount of delivery charge should one wish to order from more than one establishment. 

Promo alert!

Thank you Nueca! From the time you started back in 2012, you have been one of the greatest minds in Naga who chose to stay, keep and nourish talents, to serve our fellow Nagueños and Bicolanos.

Read More

#NcdTravels: Bag-Angan Farm and Resort, A Back-to-Basic Experience in Labo, CamNorte

Late afternoon color

Sustainable and responsible tourism is the focus of the second edition of the Philippine Harvest under the helm of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The program aims to develop sustainable farm tourism as a dependable source of income for Filipinos in line with the implementation of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which serves as one of DOT's strategies for countryside development. Camarines Norte is but another countryside of Bicol which is so rich natural resources with a big potential for farm tourism.

Around 6am in the morning color

Labo, CamNorte being the biggest in terms of land area in the province has this secluded farm resort owned by Bacer Family which started basically as a residence with a manmade freshwater pool for the family and the neighbors to enjoy. The owner then realized its potential for tourism purposes and began to transform the area into a sort of village resort amongst the rice field and near the mountain side.

The name "Bag-Angan" came from a type of grass which is found abundantly in the area. The farm and resort offers a "back to basic lifestyle" experience that will try to rekindle how it is to live in the moment without being preoccupied with all the stressors in life. The resort does not have electricity, when we stayed for the night we only used gas lamps and solar powered led lights.

 Accommodation and rates:

• The farm can only accommodate maximum of 12 pax and minimum of 6 pax. There's another house being upgraded with another manmade pool being constructed during the time of our visit. So this can probably mean doubling the number of pax in a few months time.
• P500 per head during weekends, P300 per head during weekdays that includes the use of kitchen and farm house for overnight stay. DIY is also accommodated, but please do contact the management for a hassle frees stay.

Basic amenities of the resort: 

• Freshwater pool with a dept of 4, 5 and 6 feet. 
• Living room
• Dining area
• Clean comfort and shower room.
• Comfortable beds with available bed nets
• Kitchen where you can cook and use available utensils
• With comfortable beds and hammock on the second floor

The other house with a new pool being constructed

Here are some important guidelines that you need to prepare just in case you are not used to the back to basic kind of living. In short, bawal ang maarte dito.

• Going to the resort is easy but bumpy, so hold on to something. It's easy because they have a service truck that will take you to the farm and it's bumpy because the road is unpaved at around 4 kilometers. It's like a off-road track so four-wheeled drive vehicle would be fun to drive here, absolutely don't take a sedan for your peace of mind. It can be muddy when it rains and a little dusty when it's dry. Have fun reading the signages every kilometer, "kapit lang bes".

• NO ELECTRICITY - When we had our overnight stay, we only used gas lamps and solar powered led lights. They have candles too, but the first two are safer especially with the kind of house that they have. They also have a powerbank that you can borrow. And oh, you can even charge your powerbank with their powerbank. haha

The moon actually lights up the  whole farm and you can get to enjoy the stars  because there's not enough light pollution. The "sulo" in the pathway of the farm is lit up at night, stays for a few hours until it wears off and gives a "survivor series" feel too.

• VERY Limited Data/Internet from TelCos - Yup, both Smart and Globe. Calls were also difficult to make as well as messages were a little bit hard to send. So prior to your visit, do inform your significant others of the limited mobile services of the place. This is actually to your advantage, digital detox is important nowadays and Bag-angan farm and resort can help you with that.
• FRESH and CLEAN WATER. The resort lies at exactly on the feet of Mount Cadig that catches the first clean and fresh flow of water from the mountain. Drinking water is from the crack stone wall of the mountain, but in case your stomach gets upset easily, you can bring your own water supply. (Just remember not to leave your bottles at the resort).

• Only natural air-conditioning from the mountain breeze and cool temperature at night. We also had a bonfire that night too.
• Bring an insect repellent if you have sensitive skin.
• There are many human friendly creatures in the farm that serves as your therapeutic music especially at night. Sleep to the sound of crickets, frogs, birds, bats and running water, all natural and no Spotify needed.  
• The farm only provides services that are available in the mountain, but they try their best to meet your requests. Just like us, after a whole day use of our gadgets needed for blogging,we needed to recharge our batteries and cameras because we were headed to Calaguas the following day. We had to send everything to a nearby residence with electricity and it was very nice of them to accommodate our request. Please don't ask for impossible favors that will make it difficult for them.
• Should you wish to have a hassle free stay by just being there to enjoy a downtime, you can have your breakfast, lunch or dinner prepared by the management at an additional cost.

 How to get there?

• From Daet you need to ride on a van, jeepney, bus bound to Sta.Elena and tell the driver that you are going to Purok 5, Barangay Guisican, Labo, Camarines Norte. It will take 1 ½ hour travel.
• A service truck will take you to the resort, travel time is about 20 mins. You can also try Habal-habal (motorcycle) for only Php 100.
• Contact Person Mr. Arnel Bacer (09165346351) for instructions
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bag-angan-Farm-And-Private-Resort-660365400821096/

Bag-Angan Farm and Resort will not only let you experience the back to basic kind of living that will allow you to keep your feet on the ground but it will actually give you an opportunity to go back to the basics in coping with stress and anxiety. First is you get enough sleep because there's no electricity and limited mobile data services. Second is you get to eat fresh produce from the farm especially if you want to have your meals prepared by the resort. Third, you get to do a basic exercise, just by grounding yourself and walking around the farm early in the morning to the flowing water either on the manmade pool or the stream of water nearby the other house. They also have a fish pond with tilapia, so go ahead try fishing too or even harvest/plant rice if its in season. Sleep, eat and exercise, these are the three basic ways to combat stress and anxiety and Bag-Angan farm can actually give it to you. It's also a perfect place for those who are a little bit lost, who might be looking for answers. The farm is nice as a retreat place and also team building activities for small groups. Interacting with the locals will actually make your stay more meaningful.

Woke up at round 5:30 in the morning and this is what you'll see in the farm.

Look! Do try this laro ng lahi, "Kadang-Kadang"

Hope I was able to give enough information about this secluded farm and resort in Labo, Camarines Norte. If you happen to visit Bag-Angan, don't forget to #iTravelResponsibly and share your experience too on the comments section below.

Read More

#NCDtravels: 4 Things to do in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte, known as the "Gateway of Bicol" is by far a province that I have been exploring since 2014 as a blogger. From encountering paradise in Calaguas Group of Islands to more island hopping in the 7 islands of Mercedes, to visiting historical churches, to surfing and paragliding in Bagasbas Beach (this has yet to be ticked off in my bucket list), to historically walk through the first Rizal monument not only in the Philippines but in the world, to chasing waterfalls, to enjoying the unique flavors in the capital town, Daet and other towns in the province, one can go on with the list of fully exploring CamNorte in many ways.

Not known to many, CamNorte has a quiet town now fondly called SLR today. This town is a favorite destination for locals especially during summer due to its richness in water resources. Here are 4 Things to do in SLR and this can be a suggested itinerary too for a day tour.

1. Sightseeing in SLR Highlands - Overlooking the grenery of Camarines Norte with a portion of the province's mountainous side, overlooking the towns of Basud, Mercedes to the shores of Bagasbas while enjoying the lush site of mother nature. The site is around 10-15 minute ride from the municipal hall. The road is mostly unpaved, SUV's and all wheeled drive vehicles should easily make it or have the option to rent a habal habal from the town hall. We luckily saw either an eagle or a hawk freely flying around that morning and this only means one thing, the place is really undisturbed. This site is just about to be offered to tourists, I am hoping that this area can be carefully developed without drastically disturbing its natural state.
 

"Susong Daraga", noticeable in the photo

2. Ride the Longest Zipline in Bicol - SLR holds the longest zipline in Bicol to date.  I'm a first timer at that and I'm really glad that I did it here and that is 375 + 380 meters long as it connects two Barangays, Matacong and Maisog. With this distance, the rate is only P250 for the sitting position and P350 for the superman position. Promise, you will enjoy the view! Towering coconut trees, mountains on one side and a flowing river underneath your feet are the breathtaking views that you will enjoy from this zipline.

Photo by San Lorenzo Ruiz Tourism FB

3. Take the Tramline - For the faint of heart and for those who are still not ready to take the zipline (but please do take it, you will not regret it I promise), you can also try the cable car for only P50.00. This ride will allow you to take photos rather decent and be able to identify the sites to the point of identifying one of the island of Mercedes which is Canimog Island.

The long way for the locals before the tramline existed. Matacong Hanging Bridge, connecting Matacong and Maisog.

 Just to add up value, the tramline is a big help to the locals of these two barangays especially for transporting their agricultural products like these coconuts in the video wherein they pay .50 cents per piece.

Notice in the video below is a man carrying loads of coconuts who we saw near the river, with about 60 kilos on his back but traveling by foot through the Matacong Hanging Bridge (as seen from the zipline view). Imagine the weight and the trail he has to traverse just to get his coconuts sold. The hanging bridge is about a kilometer hike downhill from the zipline station.

These locals work hard to earn for their day to day necessities. Trips like these always serves as a reminder for us who lives in cities that there are people who has more difficult jobs than ours and yet they can smile and work harder for their families. ❤️

More photos 

4. Have a refreshing dip at Mampurog River - Club Noah is just one of the resorts in San Lorenzo Ruiz that has access to the rich river system of this town. They have very nice cabanas  overlooking the running waters of Mampurog river. They also have cottages, umbrellas and they also allow camping. Remember this is an Eco-friendly resort, do away of leaving any thrash especially near the river and the facilities are almost all back to basics.

 Club Noah

Brgy. Mampurog,San Lorenzo Ruiz, CamNorte

Entrance: P10.00 only

Open from 7AM t o 6PM

For inquires visit https://www.facebook.com/ClubNoahEcoResort/

How to get to San Lorenzo Ruiz? From Camambungan, Van & Jeepney Terminal in Daet, take the Jeepney to San Lorenzo Ruiz. Just tell the driver to drop you off to Brgy. Matacong where the zipline is. Fare is Php23. Travel time from Daet to Matacong is around 30 mins. 

 
San Lorenzo Ruiz Tourism
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turismo.sanlorenzoruiz.5





Provincial Tourism Office
J. Lukban St.
Daet, Camarines Norte
(054) 885 1898
#GoCamNorte Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCamNorte/ 



 

Read More

#NCDTravels: ARDCI Corporate Inn, Virac, Catanduanes

Catandunagon Festival is just a month away! ARDCI Corporate Inn is an affordable and quiet place to stay in Virac with this bonus view and a roof deck pool to accent the beauty of the seaside and rugged mountain side of Catanduanes. 😍

 

They have econo rooms good for 10 or 8 pax good for the family and barkada. They also have Economy Single & Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites and Superior Suites for only P2600! All rooms have complementary BREAKFAST!

All rooms have complementary breakfast.

I really enjoyed the view of the the restaurant and cafe on the top floor. They also have a gym too. With this ameneties, affordability, clean, quiet, and comfortable rooms, ARDCI Inn is definitely a good choice while in Virac, Catanduanes!

ARDCI Corporate Inn
Location: San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes 
Facebook Page: ARDCI Corporate Inn 
Contact Number: 0998 988 2476

Read More

#NCDfoodtrip: Ishiaya De Legazpi

#NCDfoodtrip Fell in love with the Nayoka Salad of Ishiaya De Legazpi (by Chef Aya Medel) in an instant. 😭❤️ Fresh and crisp “Pako” as we know it as the main ingredient, this salad with mango bits, tomato, a dressing that complements everything and anything in between will just make your heart full and crave for more. Btw, it’s only worth P125 😍 This resto is a must visit when you’re in Legazpi City. This is one of the moments when I wish restos like this is also within our reach here in Naga.

Nayoka Salad

Japanese as it may sound, Isihaya’s menu ranges from appetizers, soup, salad, sushi varities, sashimi and tempura, seafood, beef, seafood, vegetables, pork, noodles, ramen, smoothies, and even “kids simple happiness” that willl surely let your children enjoy the place.

You’ll be lucky if Chef Aya is around to prepare your meals, just like during our visit. Dios Mabalos Chef Aya for the great food and dining experience. Will definitely come back! ❤️

Chef Aya’s original branch is in Tabaco City so if you’re in the area, you can also enjoy the same goodness of the food.

Ishiaya is also known for there boneless Crispy Pata

Store Hours: 11am to 9pm

Location: 29 Orange Lane Jamora Subd., 4500 Legazpi, Albay (Near Pacific Mall Legazpi) 

Facebook Page: Ishiaya De Legazpi

Read More