AJ's Seafood Haus: An unexpected find

It been ages since i blogged about anything, been very busy. I've been to Ilocos-Vigan Trip last year but i have not find the time yet to write about it but i've been wanting to write about this food haus for so long.

The bagnet is perfect

Here is the address and contacts numbers. It was recommended by our tour guide. There was nothing fancy about the place, it's has a province feel to it and can even smell a little bit of piggery at a certain time of the afternoon but at night it's quiet and a bit cold. The food is great and affordable, you just have to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes before the food is served. They cook your food when you order and separately, so it's fresh.

The best pakbet i've ever tasted... promise!

The place is full of this spoon and "sandok" made of coconut shells. Not for eating, only for decorations

Here's the menu... affordable right?

We ate here twice, we just can't resist. The dinakdakan and Dinengdeng is also superb, i just didn't got a picture of it.

NPC VILLAGE and WESTNUK Beach Resort

NPC Hotel and Village Resort is owned and operated by NAPOCOR along with Westnuk Beach Resort. The Village is composed of 20 non-residential and 128 residential buildings which include the 49 rms Hotel, Conference & Training Center buildings and chapel. It has various recreational facilities such as Olympic-size pool, Bowling Center, Billiard & Table Tennis room, Golf Riding Range, Lawn Tennis Courts, Basketball & Volleyball Courts, Baseball Field & Firing Range among others.

I never heard of this place before, i saw this on google map and thought that it's a village. Good thing, we know someone who knew someone who previously work with the now non-operational Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, so we finally we made a reservation. From what i gathered, this is a housing facilities at the time when the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is still at works for the employees and staff. Some staff are still residing in some houses. I do not know if this is a non profit-organization or they operate just to sustain in keeping the place and staff because even if they accept guest, there is no extensive marketing of the place. The houses are big and comfy but needed renovation, some houses are abandoned and needed total restoration but nevertheless, a prefer this place if i am going to bataan with friends and families.

There 4-bedroom houses cost P3,500 and 2-bedroom cost 2,800. There is a CR/Shower room which is adjoining two rooms. Rooms have 2 queen beds, aircon and cabinets. The house has a lawn, garage, dirty kitchen, sliding glass door to a veranda and a spacious living/dining room. You can rent a gas range for P500.00 or you can bring one if you prefer. I would love to have a TV - please NPC provide some TV :-). The recreational facilities is a 10-15 minutes walk from the guard house. If your going to use the facilities, be sure to inform the guard when you enter, it can be tiring if your going back and forth at the guardhouse or ask a contact person and number who can assist you during your stay. This place is old so it can be eerie at night.

The accommodations includes an entrance to Westnuk Beach Resort, it is inside the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant which is 20 minute ride from NPC Village Resort. Secure a gate pass at NPC before you head to Westnuk coz if you dont, an entrance fee there cost P130.00 each. We have a gate pass from our contact so we only paid a cottage fee of P130.00, i'm not quite sure if because we have a recommendation from an ex-employee but it does not hurt to ask so give it a try. The road to Westnuk is within a mountain range so it is quite steep, let's just say its curvalicious-if that's even a word. I am surely going back to this place, next time ill drop by the Pawikan Conservatory.

Living Room

Dining and Dirty Kicthen

Houses at NPC

Recreational Facilities

Olympic size pool

Road to Westnuk

BNPP is only open for viewing from mondays to fridays and need a reservation/appointment

Westnuk Beach Resort

NPC VILLAGE RESORT
WESTNUK BEACH RESORT

A Small Island called POTIPOT

I've been wanting to go there since March of 2013, i've been exchanging plans with some family friends whom we went with our Tagaytay-Batangas trip but we never came close to finalizing it. Finally, my travel buddies in the office agreed for a Zambales-Bataan Trip on the 3rd week of May. Lately, its been a two town trip for 2D/1N, we have to maximize time since work is always around the corner and we are office mates so we can't go on leave at the same time. It can be exhausting but exciting.

First stop, Potipot Island. We leave at 4:00 in the morning and off we went to NLEX. It is a 5 to 6-hour drive, but we have so many stop-overs that's why we reached the island at 11:00 in the morning and we're supposed to leave at 4:00 in the afternoon. I am not so good with directions and we passed so many towns and we have a GPS with us, so please forgive me for saying this, "please just google the directions to Potipot":-). I already reserved for a boat beforehand with Ate Minda (09393233459), her house is in front of Dumaluan Beach Resort which you can also use to shower for P20.00 each. The boat cost P400.00 for 6 persons back and forth, we are a group of 15 but we rented 3 boats to accommodate our things and baggages. After 5 minutes, we're on the breathtaking island of Potipot. It's true what other blogs said, some lady will ask for your entrance fee of P100 (day tour) and P300 (overnight) and after that it's self-service. Potipot is a beautiful island, the caretakers should seriously make an effort to preserve and maintain the place. Yes, there is a grilling area and shower rooms but it could be better - not commercialize better but regular maintenance, what are the entrance fees for.

After finding a table at the far end of the beach, arrange our things in a big tree and change into swimming clothes, we're off to dip into the clear and inviting beach - good thing, i am not in-charge with cooking.
And what else to do beside swimming, find that famous white old tree and do some pictorial hehe. It's at the other end of the beach opposite the docking area.

It rained at past three in the afternoon so we decided to leave before the rain pours, boats are small so it can be dangerous if waves stated to get big. We showered at Ate Minda's before going to our accomodation at NPC Village Bataan.

Our table and we put our things on that tree, good thing we brought a net

The White old tree

FUN BATANGAS PART 2: LEMERY BATANGAS

From our FUN BATANGAS PART 1, we head out to our next destination - A.Santos Paradise Resort in Lemery, Batangas. From Laurel to Lemery, via Agoncillo Road, its a 45 to an hour drive but since the road is under construction that time - well, it's more than an hour drive. At the end of Agoncillo Rd., turn right and the resort is only 500 meters from there. There are not many signage on the road, A.Santos is on the left side before the ice plant.

A.Santos Resort, in my opinion, is the best and affordable resort in that part of lemery beach. I reserved and deposited 50% for a Coco Lodge for P3,000 overnight, the room is basic with 2 queen beds, CR, an old aircon, a veranda and a cemented table and bench right in front of the rooms. There is a free entrance for 4 persons with the room and the rest should pay P70.00/each. They have two swimming pools and an access to the beach.The resort has a very maximize but organized space. The beach is not giving me any pleasure because its a bit crowded and the sand is dark, i never went swimming in that beach but i am looking forward to our island hopping and snorkeling in the morning.

Our Room

Not a good shot but this is the way to the pool 

The Beach

The Black Beach

The rooms and the cottages - near the beach

Ligpo Island - Snorkeling site and they also have accommodation. this is in the middle of the ocean, i can't sleep here.

This is the destination island which is part of Bauan Batangas, it's not white but the sand is a very light brown, a bit rocky but the water is clear and refreshing

This is a private resort where we pay P30.00 each for the use of their beach and shower room. No accommodations,  just for the owners.

Where we stop by to snorkel, this is also a diver's spot

We had a great time with the snorkeling and island hopping which will take 4 hours so start early, the ride alone will take 1.5 to 2 hours back and forth. The boat cost 1,800 for 10 persons. There are may boats you can rent but you can contact our boatman Kuya Michael (09394323667).

A. Santos Paradise Resort
Barangay Nonong Castro
Lemery, Batangas
http://www.asantosparadiseresort.com/

FUN BATANGAS PART 1:Amansinaya Mountain Resort

This is another deal we got from Metrodeal, a day tour at Amansinaya Mountain Resort with free Zipline, Mountain climbing , Mudslide and guided tour to Ambon-ambon Falls.So, with 7 of my friends,we set-off to Batangas.

We started at 5 in the morning and took C5 road-SLEX and then Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road. When you reached the Tagaytay Rotonda, go down the Talisay Road. You won't miss it, it will be flocked by men offering boat to Taal Lake and boy... they are persistent, they will even follow you down the Talisay Road with a motorcycle. The Talisay Road is quite steep with so many curves (well, just look at google map, it's quite accurate), so if your not a skilled driver or even if you are - be careful. After about 30 min, you will exit to Talisay-Tanauan Road (take time to see the Taal Lake up close and personal-i'd prefer an overlooking taal than up close but it's just me) then turn right. After 20 mins you'll reach the Laurel Municipal hall, there will be a sign of Amansinaya to the right and it will be easy from there on.

Patio Filipino

Finally, we're at Amansinaya at 9 in the morning, average travel time from manila is 3 hrs. First stop was the Pugadlawin, where the team building activities are. Next stop is the Patio Filipino where the reception, restaurant and a mini pool at the back overlooking the Ambon-Ambon Falls. The last was the Aqua Park where you can really swim. The distance from station to station is a good 10-15 mins walk so you'll need your car but they have a service which can get you from one place to another. We're late for the first trek to the falls so we opted to go for the 1pm sked. We took an early lunch, well according to their website a corkage fee will be charge, depending on the number of person, if you bring food inside. They don't really check the car, so we brought food inside and find a secluded place under a bamboo tree and guava tree to park the car and eat -yey! and trees there are blooming with fruits, so you know, fruits are healthy with a meal hehe (just don't get yourself be caught ok...)

Next stop.... zipline. The zipline is a short ride, going up the stairs takes longer than the slide to the zipline but if its unlimited - well, its definitely fine. I also tried the wall climbing, finished about two-thirds which is a good  15 feet. Haven't tried the mudslide, i think it's fun i just don't feel like doing it that day. We then spend a good time in the Aqua Park then headed back to Patio Filipino for the trek to the falls.

Pugadlawin - where the team building activities, zipline, wall climbing and mudslide are located

The trek was about 30-45 mins, you need to hop in their shuttle service which will take you to the starting point outside the resort. If Amansinaya really is making the trek one of their feature activities, i suggest that they put some budget in paving the road up until the bridge - that will save guest a good 15 minutes of walk time and a whole lot of dust (seriously, its like a sandstorm up there every time motorbikes passed by). And i know that Ambon-Ambon Falls is not a private property but i hope someone someday could manage to maintain and clean the road to the Falls- and maybe a cable or zipline from the resort to the falls? Hehe, just an idea. Because if you're walking for 45 minutes and crossing four rivers (don't worry, its a small river), then what you passed by are litter and people having videoke and drinking session - it's a bit discouraging. I think the Falls is worth it but will i make the trek again? Maybe not, i always want to try something new but i'm not really a fan of walking so that explains it.

The way to the Falls

THE FALLS: the falls is so high that the water at top drizzle like raindrops but the current below is so strong but you can have a water massage if your careful. The water is also refreshing.

There are many people when we are at the falls, most are from the residents of the area. It's best if you do the trek in the morning. We arrived back at the resort past 3:00 pm. We quickly change and head out since we have an accommodation at A.Santos in Lemery, Batangas. If you're not staying for the night at Amansinaya better head out while there is light coz you know, the road is not safe at night. This time we took the Agoncillo Road and we were off to our next destination.

FIREBRAND SERIES by ELISABETH NAUGHTON

Three djinn warriors. One power-hungry sorceress. The battle for good and evil has taken a whole new turn...

BOUND TO SEDUCTION (Book 1):

Careful what you wish for...

Sentenced as a pleasure slave, Djinn Prince Tariq of the Marid tribe has but one duty: travel into the human realm and corrupt souls by granting wishes to the women who possess the Firebrand opal, a gemstone of magical power. Ten years of imprisonment have left Tariq bitter, but to save his brothers' lives, he'll submit to his endless personal hell, even if it means giving up his own hope for freedom.

When Mira Dawson obtains the Firebrand opal, she's sure the rumors about its magical qualities must be fiction. Until, that is, she touches the stone and a dark and dangerous warrior appears in her living room, offering to pleasure her beyond her wildest dreams. Soon, fantasy becomes a temptation she can't deny. The only question left is...will the pleasure be worth the price? Because as Mira's been warned, nothing...not even fantasies...are free.


SLAVE TO PASSION (Book 2):

Kill them all...

Enslaved by his enemies and forced to fight in the pits of Jahannam for their depraved entertainment, Nasir, the once-proud Marid warrior and djinn prince, has become a killer. One celebrated and feared at the same time. Even he doesn't remember who he used to be, nor does he care, until hope enters his cell in the form of an alluring woman who may be the key to his salvation.

This is not my life...

Sold into slavery, Kavin must prove her worth. If she can survive one night in the arms of a killer, her life will be one of luxury--albeit as a concubine, forced to serve her lascivious master. Sickened by the thought, she knows it's better than death, and where she once dreamed of freedom, now all she wants is to stay alive. But when the gladiator refuses to touch her, her only hope for survival is seduction.


POSSESSED BY DESIRE (Book 3):

Even desire comes at a price...

Imprisonment has taught Ashur, the youngest djinn prince enslaved by a power-hungry sorceress, one thing: life as a pleasure slave has its rewards...if you play by the rules. He's been tortured. He's nearly died protecting a tribe that's forsaken him. But he's also seen life on the other side as an obedient slave. For a shot at revenge against the brothers who abandoned him, he's willing to serve his master, even if it means using passion to corrupt the souls she needs to fuel her immortality. His first assignment, however, turns out to be more than just a woman in need of a little pleasure. Claire is an angel, and angels have the ability to steal djinn powers. No amount of vengeance--not even a ravenous desire he can't seem to control--is worth the loss of his powers. And there's no way he's tangling with a celestial being.

Unless, of course, she tangles with him first...


*This series, as with most of Elisabeth Naughton books, is an adult paranormal romance basically R-18 read. It revolves around a story of three djinn brothers -like genies- who is from another realm outside the "human realm" and has powers. They fulfill your most sensual desire and pleasure, whatever your wish they command. And under an evil sorceress, it will always be bad. But a right girl will always save even a damaged man, right? - of course, there will always be a girl.

What i love about the series is that the story line is very thought of - really above my expectation. The writing is very good, a good mixed of romance, suspense, humor, and passion. This is an adult read so expect some sex scene - the scene here is not too much but detailed and it does not overwhelm or overshadow the story. Sometimes can be very sensual but sweet. The shifting point of view is also done well, you will understand what's really within this realm they live in because it is not self-centered in a way and everyone had their moments.

Usually, in a series, it is always the first that will live a mark but this one mine is the second. I love all the books but my favorite is the second book, the story of the second brother Nasir.

The cover is a bit naughty, or much? Yes, it can be naughty but this is worth the read - guaranteed.


-I'm still reading the Eternal Guardians series also by the same author and it is even better, i will write on it when i'm finished with all six books.

Batangas: Chateau Royale

We got a chance to have a voucher in Cash Cash Pinoy with some family friends for a 2D/1N stay in Chateau Royale for 4 with set dinner and breakfast for only P2,999.00 - a deal, right? I arranged a van rental for 2,500/day exclusive of gasoline, toll fee and driver's meal- the driver can sleep in the van just provide him a place for hygiene purposes. You can contact Kuya Ronie at 09323678217.

When we arrived at the resort, there are so many people. Why? because the rooms are still being cleaned... that's what happened when the deal is a hit- sometimes customer service is a hard job. In fairness to them, they allowed late check-out.

The resort is huge, so much space and peaceful. The log cabins are far down but there is a jeepney which goes back and forth to pick and drop-off guest. I can say that we got a good deal for P2,999 - except for the food. The dinner is disappointing, if your not on a diet- please bring some food in your room or buy some in their resto which can be a bit pricey. The lettuce is organic, it's in their greenhouse - i don't know if organic lettuce should be a bit bitter (its bitter). The breakfast is an improvement from the dinner.

Here are some pictures:

The paintball warzone and billiards

Zipline P 150.00 / Rock Climbing P 100.00

Our Log Cabin

The Swimming Pool

The Resort