Leslie's Famous Bulalo - Tagaytay

A visit to Tagaytay would never be complete without a visit to Leslie's Bulalo. Perfect for Tagaytay's cold weather, this beef stew will satisfy your palate and craving for a heart (and tummy) warming trip.

Bulalo price: P599 (good for 4 or more pax)

Leslie’s Restaurant

Aguinaldo Highway Crossing, Silang

Tagaytay City, Cavite

(046) 413-1065

The next time you go on a road trip, visit Leslie's - the famous bulalohan in town.

Surprised by Longganisa Sorpresa

Not just for breakfast, but served all throughout the day.

Who would have thought that the Pinoy-all-time-favorite-meal would be the main attraction of a restaurant in the metro? Loved by Filipinos and most people around the globe, the longanisa is a Filipino sausage packed with flavor mixed by various cultures in the country. It is well-renowned as a breakfast fave, but trust me, cravings for this doesn’t just settle for the early birds.

Now in SM North, this mouth-watering classic is offered by Longanisa Sorpresa. Situated in the mall’s Sky Garden, the restaurant’s homey location takes the diners to a regional tour of the places in the Philippines. The Longanisa Platter offers variant flavors: Longganisa Lucban, Alaminos, Tuguegarao, Cabanatuan, Laoag, CDO, Cebu, Gensan, Davao, Batutay. The condiments (particularly vinegar) are also showcased featuring distinctive regional tastes.

They also have a branch in Pasig City. For more info, you may visit their website.

So hop on to this culinary journey and be surprised!

BAYOYOY – A "Celebrity" from Bohol

If you think you’ve visited enough of Bohol, think again.

There’s a part of the itinerary on a trip to Panglao. Going to Bayoyoy the dwarf is included in most Bohol and Dauis-Panglao tour packages because it is very rare to see a real-life “dwarf”.



Bayoyoy was born on Jan. 10, 1947. His real name is Jesus Doldolea, a children of 3rd-degree cousins. He lives in Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. When our driver recommended the place, we were at first hesitant to go since the house was just like a typical Filipino house with a small “sari-sari” or convenience store with Bayoyoy’s name. When we entered the gate and Bayoyoy’s younger sister invited us to go upstairs, our hesitation turned into curiosity.

We found ourselves facing Bayoyoy. Almost as small as a 1-year old baby, he sat on a stroller. Bayoyoy’s sister relates the story. Their parents died some years ago. There were 12 children in the family and 6 of them suffered from dwarfism. The 5 other dwarfs died early and only Bayoyoy survived. He is now 65 years old and only consumes milk, oatmeal and cereals. He is blind and could only hear. Since his condition requires special treatment, his sister take care of him. The pictures posted on the wall revealed that a lot of celebrities and media people visited him and offered assistance. He was eve featured on national television. Before we left, we handed financial assistance to the sister for Bayoyoy’s use. This, according to our driver, is a normal custom done by visitors.

As of today, I haven’t heard of any news about Bayoyoy and I’m not sure if he’s still doing well. But I feel privileged that I was able to meet this ‘celebrity’ from Bohol and I still express my gratitude to people who helped him survive the hard times.

So the next time you go to Bohol and enjoy its beauty share your blessings with Bayoyoy.

Click here to see more of my Bohol adventure.

A Remedy Under the Sun

“For every ailment under the sun,

There is a remedy or there is none.

If there be one, try to find it.

If there be none, never mind it.”

These words struck me as I listened to the speaker fresh from New York. This spiritual brother visited the Philippines to strengthen the faith of more than 30 thousand listeners – brothers and sisters in faith from all over the country who eagerly assembled to attend this special meeting.

As he spoke, realization dawned on me that sometimes, we ourselves complicate matters turning it into an ‘ailment’. We are caged in negative vibes prohibiting us from moving on (and moving forward).

If there are some things we can change (or find remedy), then let’s do it and be positive.However, there are some things we cannot change. Instead of ranting and mourning over such things, let’s accept and adjust our mindset in order to positively proceed with life.

One good example is a Sign Language student I met. She was a 40-year old woman, strong and lively, but hearing-impaired. Another thing, she’s blind! Does she rant non-stop, lament over life’s burden or mourn all the time? No! Since she cannot change her ‘ailment’, she positively embraces life’s course and works on things within her control. Though she can’t see and hear us, the affection and care she receives from everyone fuels her passion for love and life. She lives joyfully and is satisfied with life.

We all have our own moments of ups and downs, but remember, “The only difference between a good day and a bad day is our attitude.”

The Blind Horse

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, real friends do not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

They watch over us and even bring others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those people placed in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. Good friends are like this.

You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Sharing this inspiring story by one of the speakers in a Christian meeting's public talk. My dear friends, please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours....