Goodbye to February 2011

Goodbye to February 2011

Time keeps just moving on and it's already goodbye to this years February! It doesn't help hat February only has 28 days, which makes it go by even faster.

Weather wise this February on Koh Samui was very nice! Especially after the first week it was really nice almost non stop! This is line with the last three years, only 2008 had some rain towards the end of February!

Malapascua beach

This was a month of lots of travel for me. I started the month on the small but beautiful island of Malapascua in the Philippines, where I taught a very successful PADI IDC.

Also my visits to Cebu were really enjoyed by me, even though or because of they were just for a day!

Talking about travel, this February recap is coming from Koh Lanta, another beautiful island but this time in the South of Thailand, where my work, teaching PADI IDC's and diving takes me!

In-between these two destinations I spend time on Samui as well and there were some very interesting events happening, first off and the immediately a very big event was the Royally sponsored cremation ceremony of Prakru Suntinonthakhun, a very impressing event.

Shortly afterwards it was the 100th day commemoration of Grandmother in law's passing away.

Two more Food on Wheel entries were published as well and since the topic is at eating, Ageha Sushi bar in Lamai was visited, enjoyed and described.

Plenty of things happening and I'm already looking forward to March, which is just around the corner and start tomorrow!

Apologies to my fellow Thai bloggers, this was once more a month were I didn't find time to look up your blogs!

Please keep checking in and let me know your thoughts on my posts!

Best regards,

Camille

Food on Wheels; Deep fried bananas on Cebu in the Philippines

Food on Wheels; Deep fried bananas on Cebu in the Philippines

Food on Wheels goes international and has it's first contribution outside of Thailand! During my recent trip to the Philippines, I visited Cebu island, Cebu City and the small island of Malapascua, just north of Cebu.

The deep fried banana vendor at the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church)

On the way from Malapascua to back to Cebu city we passed the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church) and that's where I spotted this fried banana vendor. During the travel I had seen more food on wheels qualifying vendors but couldn't get any good pictures from the moving van.

The deep frying process

I'm very glad to have caught this on my camera so I can go international with this series! There's more out there and more to come! My archives are still in good shape and everyday can bring new material!

To my fellow bloggers, if anyone of you is still following my blog and output since I don't have the time lately to follow and check in to your blogs, if you feel that you want to contribute to the Food on Wheels series with a guest post, please contact me and I will have you write a blog post as a guest writer on this blog with at least one link to your blog.

Camille

Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant, Mactan, Cebu City, Philippines

Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant, Mactan, Cebu City, Philippines

My last night during my recent visit to the Philippines was spent in Cebu City ad I was taken to a local restaurant in Mactan, a small island in front of Cebu city and famous for the death of Fernando Magellan.

Next to the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrines are a couple of so called sutukil restaurants, which stands for Sugba, Tuwa and Kilaw. Sugba means to grill, Tuwa means to make into Tinola or soup, and Kilaw means to make Kinilaw or raw style serving of the fish, the fish being 'cooked' in vinegar, as a result you get a kind of Sashimi!

The fish display of Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant

The fish is all displayed at the entrance of the restaurants and you order and negotiate a price. My Philippine friend who took me here, was accompanied by his Mum and she warned him about being charged premium prices for the drinks, since the menu didn't list any prices for the drinks. It turned out the we weren't over charged for the drinks but there was an add on for 'cooking' the ordered dishes which was a bit heartily when the check came, so be aware of this when visiting this otherwise delicious restaurant.

The entrance to Salo-Salo

The restaurant we visited is one of the three remaining places in Mactan near the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrine, and whilst Googling this place, it seems that it has been around 'forever'. Another restaurant nearby is 'No problem' but a fellow Cebuan blogger had a warning up for this place. He also warns about over pricing!

Cockle shell na Ginata

The food was excellent though and I enjoyed it a lot. The place reminded me of the Nai Aow restaurant in Kanchanadit, which is also located at a mangrove and serves sea food.

We had lovely company, my friend, his Mum and three Japanese friends invited by my Philippine friend. The company and food were excellent!

Kinilaw Tanigue

This was amongst my fave dishes, the raw tuna 'cooked' in vinegar and as a result you get Kinilaw. An excellent dish and well worth trying out!

Ginisang Alamango

Looks familiar, yes indeed, crab just like in Thailand! The main difference with Thai dishes is that there are no sauces let alone spicy sauces that come with the dishes!

Besides the pictured dishes we also had a seaweed or Lato salad, Inihaw na Isda or grilled fish, Rellenong Pusit or grilled and stuffed fish, pancit bihon or noodles and kanin or rice.

Definitely a place I can recommend when visiting Cebu city!

The sutukil restaurants are located near the Mactan Shrine. It is a 250-peso taxi ride from central Cebu City. Just tell the cab driver you want to go to Mactan Shrine in Punta Engano. It’s on the way to Shangri-la Mactan. If you want to take public transport, you can either ride on a jeepney that goes to Punta Engano (No. 23 jeepneys with Punta Engano signboards in the windshield) or you can choose one of the hundreds of tricycle in Lapu-Lapu City.

The sutukil eateries are to the left of the stage near the Mactan shrine, on the side of the area’s police precinct (now there’s an added security for you.) After you pass a couple of souvenir shops selling trinkets, shell craft and other native products, you then see several stalls with pails and buckets of fresh seafood-just choose one of the several eateries in the place.

Enjoy,

Camille

Cebu island and city, Philippines; impressions

Cebu island and city, Philippines; impressions

Upon leaving Malapascua 10th January, after a 20 minute boat ride, you reach Maya, the most Northern point of Cebu island. From there it's a 3 hour ride to Cebu city.

As already noted on notes and pictures I took on Malapascua, the Philippines are Catholic. I love the kitsch of Latin American Catholicism and some of that kitsch can be found back in the Philippines. Cebu airport on the island of Mactan has even a big picture of Maria with Dutch text on it, near the first security check point inside the domestic departure terminal but having my hands full of luggage in a moving line, I didn't manage to step out of said line and take a picture although I would've loved to have that picture taken! Ah well, next time.

The picture above was taken in a hotel near Mactan airport.

The 10th January is Bodbod festival. On the way down from maya to Cebu city we passed through a couple of villages that were in full Fiesta swing and mode!

The town of Catmon is famous for its tasty "bodbod" and thus is the focus of the festival. The street dancing competition is participated by the different barangays has its dance movements, the movement of making the bodbod with the costumes in bodbod concept.

The picture shows one of the many bands that were participating. Note the two guys in the middle of the picture playing each other drums!

Than we entered Danao and stopped at the local church. Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church) Established in 1595

The church of Danao was constructed in 1755 by Fr. Manuel de Santa Barbara, and was made up of materials from sugar cane and rocks from the sea. The crucero of the church was built in the 1800's. However, it suffered a partial destruction (was burned in 1942) during the World War II. Religious items and other important materials were also burned. From the original construction materials of the church, only the solid stones were spared from the fire. It was reconstructed in 1946. In 1981, the building underwent another renovation, this time almost a complete overhaul (only 30% of the original stands). The renovation was completed in 1985.

Very interesting about this church are the bells, which are named according to saints. The San Alipio bell, cast in 1845 and weighing 45 kilos, is the oldest. Two others, cast in 1917 were added and these were the Villanueva bell (630 kilos) and the Sagrado Corazon bell (249 kilos).

Magellan shrine

After having checked in to our hotel, my local guide took us to the Magellan shrine, at a location where the battle of Mactan was fought 27th April 1521 and where the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan died in battle with Lapu Lapu.

Mangroves around Mactan, where Magellan died

Cebu has a nice fell to itself and in my opinion is well worth a visit. For all divers that read my blog, the diving around this island is stunning and plenty of great locations and dive sites are reachable within short distances.

Cebu gets my thumbs up!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Back on Samui, yeah! It's partly cloudy with plenty of sunshine and a current temp at 10am of 27.6C

Yesterday was warm and sunny on Samui with a max temp of 29.3C

Jeepney in Cebu city, yesterday

Cebu was nice and sunny and after some shopping and finding the gifts and presents for back home, it was off to Manila and than on to Bangkok for a midnight arrival. A short night in the Silver Gold Garden and early this morning it was back to Samui!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11 th February. 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is nice and sunny with a current temp at 7am of 25.3C

Yesterday saw also a warm and sunny day with a max temp of 29.8C

Statue of Lapu Lapu in Mactan, Cebu, where explorer and conquistador Fernando Magellan was killed in a battle by Lapu Lapu's men 27th April, 1521.

Cebu is nice and sunny today and I will be on my way back to Bangkok later today, so I can move on to Samui tomorrow morning!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has more sunshine to show for this morning, yeay! Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Yesterday saw a nice sunny day on Samui with a max temp of 29C

The reason I came to Malapascua, an IDC and a PADI IE (exam) which all candidates passed!

Malapascua is going strong with nice weather and this morning and all of yesterday was sunny with a very successful PADI IE. Later this morning I'm off to Cebu and tomorrow back to Thailand!

Camille

Malapascua, Philippines island life

Malapascua, Philippines island life

My time on Malapascua is almost up. Today is the last day of the PADI IE and than the work bit is over an I'm back to Cebu for a night and than back home to Samui and Thailand!

Malapascua is mainly known for the possibility to spot Thresher sharks, one of the few areas in the world where that it is possible. I went on 3 early morning dives but didn't get to see them.

Before I take off from here, a few pictures that hopefully get the spirit of the island!

A map of Malapascua, it's a tiny island!

Some beautiful sunsets where available at no extra cost!

The village

The Philippines are catholic!

It was strange to see a church again and no Buddhist signs. I enjoyed my stay here and I can recommend a visit to this lovely island. There's not much action going on so if you're looking for a quiet island, this may be it.

Be aware that the water that's generated in a big local well for all the island is slightly salty! Bottled fresh water is widely available. There are enough restaurants available including an excellent Italian place; Angelina's!

Accommodation is relatively expensive, basic fan rooms start as low as 300,-PHP per night but a/c rooms are also available but start at a minimum of around 2.500,-PHP per night.

From Cebu city it takes about 3 hours by minivan or car to Maya, the northern point of Cebu island, followed by a boat transfer of about 20 minutes.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's weather is definitely changing and it's for the better! This morning sees a nice blue sky with plenty of sunshine. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Yesterday Samui had a an all day sunny day! Max temp reached 28.7C

Calangaman island beach near Malapascua

Malapascua's weather keeps going strong. Today the sun is out and about and yesterday saw a very nice and sunny day. The PADI IE is on it's last day today, so keep an eye out on my dive blog for updates! Tomorrow I'll be off to Cebu and the day after back to Thailand again!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is experiencing some good weather, at last. There's a blue sky above the island this morning and it looks like it's going to be a hot day. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

Yesterday saw plenty of sunshine all day long and no rain and it was warm on Samui. Max temp reached around 29C

Frog fish at North Point on Malapascua, seen during my fun dives yesterday, for more dive pictures check my dive blog

Malapascua is waking up to another sunny day and the first ever PADI IE on the island is about to kick off. Yesterday I did a couple of fun dives but today it's back to work again. The last couple of days I've been diving a lot with one of my IDC candidates, Anne, for her Instructor Specialties.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is covered under clouds this morning but the sun may break through again later during the day. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

Yesterday saw clouds during the morning and a tiny bit of rain over Samui but the afternoon was sunny. Max temp reached 28.1C

Calangaman island near Malapascua, base in-between dives yesterday

Malapascua is once more nice and sunny. Yesterday was lovely here with plenty of sunshine as well.

Tomorrow the PADI IE will start after a couple of days rest from the IDC filled with plenty of dives!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has light cloud cover but it looks like the sun may break through later today. Current temp is 26.3C

Yesterday saw a dry Samui and the sun even popped in for a while. The times they are a'changing! Max temp reached 27.7C

Malapascua; Sunny day, laundry day

Malapascua was lovely yesterday with plenty of sunshine and after a star lit sky today is more of the same sunshine!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui woke once more up under a cloud cover but it looks like it may clear up later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

This is a late update because I was on a very early dive this morning and upon returning there was also some internet connectivity issues.

Yesterday saw a dry day on Samui with bits and pieces of sunshine but during the night there was a lot of rain. Max temp reached 28.9C

Malapascua this morning around 6am

Malapascua is clouded but dry and hardly any wind at all, it's nice and at last my cold that lasted about three weeks seems to be gone! Last night there was a beautiful star lit sky!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is dry! It's slightly cloudy but no rain for a change. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C, a massive increase from previous days and it looks like the weather is about to turn for the better.

Yesterday saw a bit of rain during the morning on Samui but the afternoon was hot and the sun was out in full power. Max temp reached 28.1C

Malapascua has some near clear skies and hardly any wind this morning, things are turning for the better here as well. Yesterday saw a lovely and partly sunny morning but rain during the afternoon. It was two days in a row a very early night for me!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is still covered under dark clouds although dry at the moment. Current temp at 7am is 23.5C

Yesterday saw once more rain on Samui during the morning and cloud coverage during the rest of the day. Max temp reached 28C

Malapascua on the other hand is finally experiencing some sunshine again after three days of strong wind and cloud cover! Yesterday it was really cold, the socks had to come out!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd February, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is covered by clouds this morning but it's dry for the time being with a current temp at 7am of 24.2C

Yesterday saw also cloud covered day on Samui and rain during the night time with a max temp of 28.8C

Malapascua is going through a second day of strong wind and occasional rain, it's coldish and damp here!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 1st February, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has more rain to show for at the start of this new month. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Yesterday saw plenty of clouds and more rain as well over Samui. Max temp reached 29.2C

Malapascua's downtown main road

Malapascua is experiencing some serious wind this morning, it has been dry for the last couple of days but during the nights there's no need to even open the fan in my room.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 31st January, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is still covered in clouds although it's dry this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25C.

Yesterday saw many dark clouds all day long hover over Samui with an occasional shower. Max temp reached 29.5C

My bungalow at Malapascua, the one at the left side, view from the window here

Malapascua is covered by clouds and the two nice and sunny days are a thing of the past again. Last night saw a beautiful star struck sky but this morning it's clouds and wind all over again.

The current IDC is half way and today is a day off, most likely I will go for a dive.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th January, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is covered on heavy clouds this morning but it's still dry. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

Yesterday Samui saw copious amounts of rain with a max temp of around 28C

Malapascua island life

Malapascua is nice and sunny again this morning although there's a strong breeze. Last night saw a lovely star lit sky but around 11pm there was some very hard rain as well. Current temp here at 8am is around 26C.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th January, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is still enduring plenty of clouds and it's looking dark this morning, with some more rain expected. As of tomorrow there seems to be a change for the better coming up though. Current temp at 7am is 24C.

Yesterday saw more clouds and bits and pieces of rain over Samui with a max temp of 27.7C

Sunny morning beach on Malapascua

Malapascua has for the first time since I arrived a very sunny morning and a nice morning temperature, it could get hot! Yesterday saw some more afternoon rain.

The IDC is running smoothly here, check out the dive blog for an update.

Camille