It’s actually more of “rediscover” because we found out we have an existing Twitter account, left dormant for years because we didn’t see much use for it. Now we’ve found out that it’s actually a brief and fast way of being updated on what’s happening in and around the Philippines. It would be great, ahem, if you join us.

On second thought, summer is not yet done, so another commercial may capture the 2012 Philippine Summer category. =) What do you think? Any suggested TV commercial?

The other commercial (“Staring Contests: More Fun in the Philippines“). What do you think? Your opinions below.

The commercial was launched on Monday morning (30 April 2012) in the international news channel CNN, according to Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. in his twitter account. Now, spread the word! Or check the other TV commercial. As we always say here in VisitPinas, tell the world what’s beautiful about ‘Pinas!

There’s an ongoing battle between SM Baguio and those who oppose the plan to move pine trees from the site of the proposed mall expansion area. In our informal poll [see Agree to cut/replant Baguio pine trees and other trees for SM Baguio expansion?], 97% said no to the move of SM.

Something struck me while looking at the hillside populated by pine trees, standing at the commissary below The Mansion. The view: a group of trees leaning against the traffic and human intrusion, with a sign on a one-way road that says “No Entry”. Here:

It’s like a war between humans and trees in Middle Earth. The same battle involving pine trees will be waged by other people in the future. It will not end until the pine trees are gone. Or when humans are gone.

Beat the Summer Heat

Even if we didn’t get any memo that summer has started, the intense heat leaves no doubt that summer has officially embraced the Philippines. It’s so hot, many sauna shops would probably go belly up.

We have some theories on how to beat the summer heat. First, go in really cold places. Malls are good candidates, though we’re thinking along the lines of Snow Village (Ocean Park) or Snow World (Star City). Feel the sting of the cold temperature for a few minutes, though this option has built-in problems — the primary problem is the humid and hot air outside these venues.

Second, go to really hot places and catch some sun burn. We can name a few places (Anvaya, Pagudpud, Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, San Juan) or some theme parks (Splash Island and Amana). There are other examples of this kind of place here in VisitPinas. We suggest that you do the search after reading below.

Now, where were we? Oh, our second theory on staying cool in summer. Go somewhere hot and get a sunburn. Have fun under the sun. If your body is hot, the hot external temperature won’t be as hot. It’s like having colds/flu — you feel really cold even if your body is hot.

Of course we are not doctors and this is not a medical advice, just trying out to help you kids come up with a smart-sounding reason to say when your parents ask why you like so much to bake under the sun.

And as soon as you convince your parents (or whoever it is that needs convincing), we need to point you to the right direction in going to Club Manila East.

Directions: How to Get to CME

Let’s start with the easy part — the address of CME is Km. 24 Manila East Road, Taytay, Rizal, 1920 Taytay, Philippines. It’s also easy to look for the map going to) CME. The more difficult part is figuring how best to get there.

Sometimes it’s easier to look for a place by looking for something else. When asking for directions going to CME, ask where SM Taytay is. CME is around 5 minutes from SM Taytay. For the unfamiliar to the territory, it would be best to pass through Ortigas Extension (that’s the one in from of Robinson’s Galeria, the same stretch in front of Greenhills Mall). Go towards the Antipolo/Rizal direction, which means that you’ll pass by Ark Avilon, Fun Ranch and Tiendesitas (right side). Just go straight until you reach SM Taytay.

An alternative route, which will still bring you to the same junction, is through the Katipunan route. Take the road to Sta. Lucia / Robinson Malls (that’s going to Antipolo), then take the right turn immediately after Sta. Lucia Mall (Felix Avenue). Just go straight and take a left turn at the first major intersection (the first traffic light).

[If you are from the area and you know a more detailed description of the directions, please let us know through the comment section below.]

Fun Summer Activities at CME

While CME could not surpass Splash Island in terms of water slides/rides [see Ranking the Water Slides of Splash Island] and other facilities, CME nevertheless has a lot to offer. There are two Wave Pools(OceanWaves and BeachWaves), which also serve as the base for surfing lessons.

Checking out the surfing lessons was the primary reason why we visited the Club Manila East. We’ve read that the Philippine Surfing Academy (PSA) holds surfing lessons here. They have half of the wave pool cordoned for themselves, a good alternative to beginner’s surfing lessons in San Juan, Siargao or other surfing destinations. PSA’s Paolo Soler believes, and we don’t doubt this, that CME has the best wave pool in the country, a big factor why the surfing school was established here.

There’s a Kiddie Pool beside the boating (kayak) area. There’s a Lap Pool for those who wants racing. There’s mini-water slide for kids and one slide for adults.

From time to time, over the croaks and squeals of drunk people singing videoke (CME, please remove the videoke and the booze inside the resort), there’s a zipping sound above the treetops. Glance up and you’ll see feet dangling as guests take turns enjoying the zipline (separate payment needed; also, please note that some steep climbing to the staging area is required).

Food, drinks and accommodations

Food and drinks, including water, are not allowed. During the time we were there, Shakey’s, Chowking and Jollibee were present so there should be no shortage of food.

We think CME has the most number of cottages/cabanas to accommodate guests. Our trip to CME was made during the peak of summer season. We made no reservation so we ended up in the multi-story jail-like enclosures, called, surprising, “Beach View”. To be fair, the enclosures are convenient and — and this is the most important thing — it’s not hot and there’s a ceiling fan to boot, plus electricity outlets. This is a resort-hotel so there are rooms for those who prefer to stay overnight, although we don’t see ourselves doing that.

Now for some modest constructive notes (in addition to the karaoke and the booze). Our kid said he likes the place, the Wave Pool and the Kiddie Pool especially, but doesn’t like the “jail cell”. Also welcome are more shower rooms with sufficient breathing space. And it seems that only a few structures are alive in their colors — primarily the “mushroom” at the kiddie Pool and the walls of the Giant Slide. When we arrived at the location, the entrance seems to be sad and unwelcoming. It’s the the usual place where you’d run towards the entrance with open arms, the excitement hard to contain, immediately after going down the vehicle. It’s more like, “Wow, this place has aged a lot”.

So, if you’re in Metro Manila and you want surfing lessons, try Club Manila East first before going to San Juan, Quezon, Zambales, Siargao or other far-flung destinations. If you want an accessible location with lots of water fun at the side of Taytay, try Club Manila East. If you love booze and enjoy belting “My Way” videoke, please go elsewhere. Enjoy summer water fun at Club Manila East (CME)!

To be continued . . . in the meantime, share your experience with Mario’s Easter buffet. Please use the comment section below. Thank you.

For those who want to play it safe and get reservations, here are the contact details of Mario’s reflected in its website, as of this date:

Mario’s Restaurant Quezon City
191 Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Gandia
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel Nos. (632) 372-0360; (632) 415-3887; (632)376-6210
Fax (632)372-0352
Mobile No. (+63923) 718-1790
Email: mariosqc@marios.com.ph

Mario’s Baguio
Tel Nos. (074) 442-4241; (074) 442-7445
Fax (074) 442-5445
Mobile No. (+63922) 841-2192
Email: mariosbaguio@marios.com.ph

For VisitPinas and for our friends, allow us to suggest two things. One, please tell your friends in the US to vote next time. Either post something in your account or, if you prefer, share/forward this post.

Two, we really don’t know what happened to Rajo Laurel’s offer to dress Jessica, for free, just to help her. We don’t know if that’s a great idea, but it sounds good to us. Kindly retweet this until it reaches Jessica and Rajo.

Again, don’t forget to support AND vote for Jessica. We already nudged our friends in the States. It’s time you do your share. Please. Thanks.

Yes, you heard it right — making “bomb jokes” in a plane may result to criminal prosecution. This kind of utterance, even if meant as a joke, is covered by Presidential Decree No. 1727, commonly known as the Bomb Joke Law. “Pranksters” are covered.

The form of communication could be by word of mouth or through the use of the mail, telephone, telegraph, printed materials and other instrument or means of communication. And it doesn’t even matter if the culprit didn’t read the warnings or signs at the airport relating to “bomb jokes”. This is not one of those instances when ignorance if bliss.

The sign bearing the mark “Igorot Stairs”, dedicated to the people of the Philippine Cordillera, still remains amidst the giant wooden statues in front of the restaurant’s entrance. The marker reveals that the statues are “carved in the heart of the Cordillera mountains by master carvers of Baguio and neighboring mountain tribes”.

Also prominent in the Igorot Stairs is the Cañao, described by a marker as a “thanksgiving feast in the highland tradition wherein animals are ritually slaughtered then roasted.” It’s a “prestige celebration which the wealthy among the Bontocs, the Ifugao’s, the Kalingas and the Apayao’s give to commensurate their position in the community.”

On the stairs sit a number of statues depicting the indigenous people in their bright costumes. These statues reflect the pride on the indigenous culture in the Cordilleras. In our opinion, and with due respect to those concerned, these statues would have been sufficient. The rest of the statues, even if depicting two former presidents and a deceased cardinal, are intruders. The addition of the statue of a security guard and a bystander totally clutters the “Igorot Stairs” and dilutes the dedication originally given.

A framed poster of Isdaan Restaurant is prominently displayed on one wall inside Barrio Fiesta, a badge of pride no doubt, given that the dishes in both restaurants, seafood included, taste really well. Seafood that is not cooked right is malansa (what’s the translation of that fishy smell?).

Here in Barrio Fiesta they cook seafood right, which is perfect for Holy Week. The Sinigang na Tiyan ng Bangus, the Inihaw na Pusit and the Pinaputok na Talakitok, wrapped in banana banana leaf for that distinct aroma and added taste, taste really good.

The Pinakbet sa Hipon and Seafood Kare-Kare are new discoveries. The Fresh Lumpia, or is it Lumpiang Baguio, has a slightly different twist, with Baguio vegetable taking the center stage.

Now, if your choice of restaurant involves considerations other than the taste of the food, there are two things we have to mention. One, while the huge class windows provide a view to a wide open Baguio air, we felt a bit claustrophobic here. Ceiling is low and highlights inside are too ornate; we prefer a simple flat wall with minimal embellishments. Two, if you want a quiet restaurant with a relaxing ambiance, this is not your place. There’s a staff constantly shouting orders to the kitchen staff at the side of the main door. Annoying because we were seated beside the main door.

And only if our order for saging con yielo came through, it would have been a perfect lunch experience. The unfortunate part is waiting for dessert that is not coming. This is the only sore part, but it was a nice experience overall. [How do you find Barrio Fiesta? Please use the comment section below.]