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5 BEST VACATION SPOTS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR EXPATS AND BALIKBAYAN

October 15, 2017 by Little Miss Honey 1,537 Comments

Bohol

If you’re in the Philippines as an expat, or you’re a Filipino expat on vacation back home, this post is for you. Well, unlike the more conventional tourists, we want a vacation that is usually short (because we have to go back to work, or we have other obligations on our “vacation”), and that also means a short travel time or commute. We also want to enjoy nice amenities and good resorts, and sometimes we need it to be suitable for children and elderly if our families are involved.

Most of the times, as part of being “locals”, we can take care of the booking and transportation ourselves. However, because we want our high standards met, especially if the family is joining, it’s important for us to be on the safe side. Therefore we like to rely on the advice of friends on where to go, and booking through a local travel agency like Philippines Travel Package, just to be on the safe side. So in this post I will give you my pick of the best places for expats to enjoy such a vacation.

Boracay

Boracay, the queen of the Philippines’ beaches. Would I be wrong to argue that it is perhaps the most convenient destination in the Philippines? Why is that so? First of all, getting there is easy, there are many flights from both Manila and Cebu every day, and from other chosen destinations. After the flight to Caticlan, a 15 minute ferry ride and you’re there!

Boracay

The wide selection of resorts makes it accessible for every budget, there are so many bars and restaurants, and beach activities too. And it’s also the best island if you want to go out and party. So who is it for? Young couples, young families, expats living in the Philippines, and actually everyone. The atmosphere of the island is very lively and young. If you are not much of a party person, and like to avoid the crowds, try somewhere else.

Because mostly visit, or can take some time off (if we live in the Philippines) in odd times, we can actually enjoy Boracay on the low-season. That’s a huge plus, because many people are compelled to go on the high season. Not only that they suffer from very high rates, it’s just that Boracay gets really crowded. It’s much better to have this paradise relatively to yourself.

Bohol

Bohol

Another very popular spot, and very good for expatriates on their short vacation. There are several flights a day from Manila both by Cebu Pacific and Air Asia, and Air Asia tends to give better deals, so try them first. A ferry from Cebu is also a valid option, as it take around 1.5 hours. That’s really not bad, even on a tight schedule.

Bohol is kind of a full package. Unlike Boracay which is a party package, it’s somewhat of an adventure package. It is one of the best places for scuba diving in the Philippines, and even if you don’t learn how to dive. It makes no sense to be from one of the best countries in the world to dive in, and not even trying once.

But other than diving, the white beaches of Panglao, and especially Alona, are something to remember. Than you can travel the land itself for the famous chocolate hills. There are quick tours that leave from most of the hotels that take only half a day and maybe less. So who is it for: beach lovers who want somewhere more quiet than Boracay, very suitable for families, it’s also a foodie’s destination

Mactan

It can’t get any better than that, if you want the easiest and most convenient vacation of all, Mactan is waiting for you. Mactan airport is accessible from virtually everywhere in the Philippines, and you land straight into action. Or leisure so to speak. You don’t waste any time and you’ll have a blast even if you’re staying for 1 or two nights only.

The resorts are of the highest quality you can find in the Philippines. The beach in Mactan is also perfect, and it offers great diving and snorkeling. But mainly, this is the best place to just relax and drink a cocktail or two. When you get too hot, just have a quick wash in the ocean or hotel pool, and when you’re hungry, dine in the great restaurants of the resorts around.

Cebu

Batanes

We can enjoy places much less visited. Whether you visit the Philippines, or working in Manila, you can find some time to visit this amazing province. Flights from Manila are quite expensive, but recently PAL started a line from Clark to Basco, that cuts the price by 60%. Book enough in advance, and you can get a ticket for 2914P for each direction.

In a way, traveling to Batanes is like traveling abroad, so keep that in mind if you live in the Philippines and want to experience something different. But who am I kidding, it’s a place that every Pinoy wants to visit in his life time. Batanes is often compared to New Zealand for its scenic rolling hills and mountains, covered by green grass fields. It also have a unique indigenous culture too, and touring the island is also an interesting feat.

But don’t take this windy province as a trekking place only, you can also hit its beautiful beaches. Morong Beach and Chavayang Beach are two very beautiful white beaches in Sabtang, and the most popular bathing beaches in Batanes. Valugan Beach may not be so good for swimming, but a sight to behold, one of the few boulder beaches in the country. Other than that, there are many beaches waiting for you to explore. Batanes is ideal for people who love nature and want to see new things, and wouldn’t mind an active vacation which involve trekking.

Siquijor

The Island of mysticism, witchcraft and dark magic. This is what many Filipinos think when they hear the name if this province. And they are somewhat right, because it is an island of magic. But not any kind of dark magic, the island will put a simple spell on you that will make you fall in love with it.

If I’ll compare it to another destination on this list it must be Bohol. But as much as Bohol is easygoing, Siquijor is 10 folds as much. All you can do there is spend time at the quiet beaches, like Salagdoong, Paliton, and Bacong Beaches. Oh, and explore the wonderful nature of the island. Like the ancient Balete tree which is believed to be both enhanced and more than 400 years old.

Explore the Cambugahay Falls near the town of Lazi, and the spectacular Cantabon Cave that takes 1.5 hours to walk through. There is a butterfly sanctuary near Lazi too, that is a great spot for you to visit, as well as many old churches scattered around the island. Who is it for? People who’d like to have a quick beach getaway, which is off the beaten track, and involves other beautiful sites. It’s good for couples and families with big enough children

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Bohol, Boracay, cebu, collaboration, link placement, philippines, sponsored, text linkage, vacation

I GOT NAUGHTIFIED AT NAUGHTY NACHOS

September 28, 2017 by Little Miss Honey 4,212 Comments

Naughty Nachos

A few weeks ago, my family and I flew back to the Philippines. Instead of the direct flight to our hometown, Iloilo City, we took a flight to Manila to stay there for 2 nights.

We just had to visit my sister’s restaurant in Quezon City called the Naughty Nachos. I have heard a lot of people raving about it in social media. Nope, it didn’t come relatives but real true-blue customers who were just love their dishes. So I had to do a taste-test of my own, of course.

Naughty Nachos is perfectly located in Maginhawa Street in Quezon City where you find a wealth of university students, millennials and yuppies’ hang out and Naughty Nachos’ brand is right up the alley of what this demographic wants. It is found surrounded by several hip restaurants and mini-marts, them being the only restaurant that offers new version of nachos and marinated chicken wings. The interiors respond to the aesthetics of their typical customers: in-your-face big wall murals, lots of cool writings on the wall, funny-cartoonised nachos, simplistic long wooden table for groups and wide space for communal gathering on the second floor. Mind you, our niece did some of the black & doodles on the wall facing the stairs leading up to the 2nd floor. I also recognised the writings on chalk board to be of my sister’s. I saw lots of Jenga puzzle boxes and other board games by the side for customers to play with while waiting for their order. I think that is a cool idea!

Naughty Nachos

Naughty Nachos

Naughty Nachos

All photos by Naughty Nachos

So comes the food. I was on a vegetarian diet so I tried the Cheesy Beef Nachos (165 php) but I had to put the minced beef to sides for my hubby to eat. I was so in love with the cheese! It tasted creamy and authentic. It doesn’t taste like the regular preserved cheese you buy for nacho dips which taste plasticky. Their cheesy taste is so addicting plus the nachos itself has its own taste which you can actually eat even without any dips.

Naughty Nachos

I also tried the Mango Avocado Nachos (220 php) sans the avocado that day though because there was no avocados available for that day. Vegetarians would rejoice because this dish is purely vegetarian. This dish tasted like summer. It was so cooling and filled with so much flavor.

Naughty Nachos

My hubby was given their bestseller Spicy Sriracha Chicken Wings (199 php for 1/2 dozen & 395 php for 1 dozen) . If you love Korean marinated chicken bbq wings, their chicken wings which comes in other flavours: Sweet Soy Garlic and Classic Gravy besides Sriracha Wings, would answer your craving. My hubby had to eat two little casserole of rice due to these. By the way, the rice is placed in this cute little kaldero which reminds you of our home kaldero where we cook rice on stove or charcoal. I love that they took care of wonderful details like that and their dishes were placed in a nice long wooden plate that helps you when you need to take lovely photos for your food trip at Naught Nachos. They also provide plastic glove for customers if you want to eat using hands.

Naughty Nachos

Photo by Naughty Nachos

My sister made the Classic Vanilla MilkShake (155 php) herself for Naj which consist of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and mango. Naj even assisted her as she created her yummy concoction. Of course, my sweet-tooth son enjoyed it a lot. We were also given an unlimited servings of their refreshing Japanese Red Iced Tea. They also have Naughty Milkshakes (185 php): Epic Smores, Better Than Snickers, Throwback Tsokolate and Cereal Killah.

Naughty Nachos have wonderful unlimited deals for people to try. 

Naughty Nachos have wonderful unlimited deals for people to try. Unlimited Nachos, Unlimited Wings and lots more to choose from with affordable prices. Unli Wings/Unli Rice for 299 php, for Unli Wings/Unli Fries , just add 80 php and for unlit wings/unli nachos add 80 php. Strictly no sharing, leftovers and takeouts.

Naughty Nachos

I want to congratulate my sister and her business partners in their wonderful food business. I highly recommend it, not just because it is my sister’s restaurant but I am really loving their food! Do support Naughty Nachos. I promise you, you wont regret it. Comment below if you have visited Naughty Nachos and let me know what you think about it.

Naughty Nachos

Maginhawa St.

1101 Quezon City

Philippines

Facebook  / Instagram

Filed Under: Food Discoveries, Inspirations Tagged With: chicken wings, family, manila, milkshake, nachos, naughty nachos, philippines

EXPAT DIARIES: AMBER, AMERICAN BLOGGER IN THE PHILIPPINES

September 19, 2017 by Little Miss Honey 4,080 Comments

Expat in Manila

(Wikipedia) ‘An Expatriate (often shortened to Expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex (“out of”) and patria (“country, fatherland”).

This blog aims to discover people who are Expats or I would often call it, adventurers like me, venturing out in a new place to call home and creating memories. I have previously lived with my parents and siblings in the Saudi Arabia when I was in high school. I have enjoyed and cherished my memories the beautiful Sandbox I once called my home. Now, I am in a new adventure with my husband and two sons living here in Singapore.

I am featuring expats in different countries  to share their experiences and adventures with you and me. I love listening to thier unique adventures.

I am excited to introduced our featured expat for this month. Meet Amber Folkman, an American blogger of AMommabroad, who is having more fun in the Philippines with her family. Let’s get to know more about her.

___________________________________

 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?

Hello! I am Amber Folkman and I am an expat from Seattle living in Manila. I grew up in California but we lived in Seattle for a number of years before making the jump to the Philippines.

Expat in ManilaPhoto Credit: www.instagram.com/amommabroad

2. What made you move to Philippines? How long have you been there?

My husband Jake had traveled to Manila for work and pitched the idea to his boss to just move us there instead of all the traveling. They went for it and we have lived here since 2009, with a short stint back in Seattle for my husband to attend graduate school.

3. What do you miss about your home country?

That is actually a difficult question for me to answer. I miss my family but to be honest, I only ever saw my siblings and cousins once a year to begin with which is the same now. I miss the family time for my kids to be with their cousins and aunts and uncles. We actually have never had that to begin with so I am not sure if miss is the right word but a ‘longing for’ for those interactions. I miss Trader Joe’s quite a bit.

4. What are the wonderful discoveries and things you like about in the Philippines?

Oh my gulay, where do I begin? I love the markets for handicrafts and palengkes. I love the access to nature, take your pick of the mountains or the beach or a few hours away. I am now a kakanin addict. I cannot get enough kakanin. Suman, espasol, pinipig, karioka- you name it, I love it. Most of all, I love the people. Their smiles reflect the endless summer felt here, another plus. I love their friendliness and cheer.

5.  I love your humor! Hahaha! Oh my gulay! You will fit right in with Filipinos. What are the 3 tips you can give to fellow expats in Manila or those you planning to move there?

Expectations. Expect traffic. Expect certain groceries to be expensive. Expect harsh smells. Expect a few blunders in terms of culture.

Eat the food! Find a friend who knows your palette and try everything you can. A Filipino menu can be intimidating but as soon as you find a foundation for certain sauces or dishes you can expand.

Make friends with lokal Filipinos. This is your bridge to longevity and happiness in the Philippines. Once you make friends the language will come, the food becomes familiar, you learn the culture and they know where all the good stuff.

6. The LITTLE MISS HONEY community gets inspired through travel, food and books. Can you tell us your current FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT, current FAVORITE FOOD/RESTAURANT DISCOVERIES & current FAVORITE BOOK?

My favorite travel spot is definitely Punta Fuego. We go down there once a month. It’s easy because of the drive and we cook a lot of our meals in our rental. Since it is a private community there aren’t a lot of people. You have access to a great beach, great pools and the 2.5 hour drive cannot be beat.

My favorite restaurant of the moment is SOUV, a new greek restaurant by Chef Robby Goco who also runs Cyma. Their frozen greek yogurt is to die for!

I recently devoured the Firebird Series by Claudia Gray. I also highly recommend her book Lost Stars if you also love youth romance and are a nerd, it is set in the Star Wars realm!

7. Where do you get your inspirations? Who or what inspires you?

Color inspires me. I am drawn to simple bold backgrounds and lots of pops of bright color. I went crazy in Batanes over Pacita Abad’s art work.

I really love textiles as well. They are tangible color but tell a story and serve a purpose. I have a particular affection for the Inabel weave. I almost can’t pass one up.

8. Share with my readers more about your blog. What is it about?

I blog about life in Manila and looking for the positive. I have an umbrella of topics but most of my favorites have to do with family focused activities. I love sharing about nature and where to go to feel connected to the earth or arts.

9. What are your 3 favorite Filipino dishes?

As I mentioned earlier, I am a kakanin addict although it is not a dish.

– Merienda with tsokolate tablea, ginger tea paired with pandesal, kesong puti or suman

– Sinigang na Hipo

– Adobo Kang Kong also.

11. Where are your recommended travel spots and places to hang-out  in the Philippines with your family and friends?

I love our access to museums! There are so many museums, not just in Manila. I am partial to Pinto Art Museum, the National Museums and Quezon City Experience. I love the mountains of Antipolo. I recently ventured to Masungi Georeserve and couldn’t believe the unreal beauty. That place is a treasure. Rizal has so much to offer and is so close! I also love anywhere near UP Las Banos. The Makiling Gardens are a sight to behold and don’t miss the dairy on campus. Just a short ways away is San Pablo which again, is another treasure trove. Lake Pandin, Cafe Lago, the 7 lakes, so much to explore!

12. I am sure you know a lot of Tagalog words and phrases by now. Can you give us one Tagalog sentence for my Filipino and non-Filipino followers to read?

Mahal ko ang Pilipinas! Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas!

Hay naku si children!

13.  I think you are adorably cute, haha! Lastly, can you share with what is your inspirational mantra in life?

It changes but lately this part of my journey has been to focus on the good and find the everyday magic.

—————–

Thank you Amber to showering a ray of sunshine with your positive outlook in life and finding joys in everything you see. I wish you more fun and adventure in the Philippines.

For more of Amber, check out her blog: Amommabroad.com and follow her instagram: Amommabroad.

If you are an expat or know any expats who are interested to be featured, drop me a line at littlemisshoneyblog@gmail.com.”

Filed Under: Expat Diaries Tagged With: American, Amommabroad, blogger, bloggerph, expat; manila, featured blogger, philippines

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Hi I'm Honey! I am a Filipina who has studied & lived in Saudi Arabia for a few years, worked in Singapore and is currently based in Oman with my husband & our three little boys. I am a medical doctor, a lifestyle blogger, travel junkie, a foodie and a bookworm. I hope I can drizzle a bit of sunshine and inspirations whenever you drop by my blog. Thanks for dropping by! See ya soon.. :)
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