Lolo Claro's Restaurant - The Best Tasting Chicken I've Ever Tasted So Far in Maragondon Cavite!

Marogondon, Cavite is known for so many reasons, especially when we talk about history, beautiful mountains and rivers, lovely scenery, friendly people and of course some of the best chicken one could ever taste is also found here and that is LOLO CLARO'S RESTAURANT!

I was introduced to this restaurant a long time ago, since this was a favorite stop for lunch after a hike at Mt. Marami or coming from the Ternate side. Lolo Claro's has three branches, the main one is here in Maragondon, the second one in Naic, and a small branch located in Trece Martires. 

After our hike from Mt. Marami, we arrived starving and I told my colleagues that they really had to try their famous fried chicken. 

The interior of the restaurant was simple but quite homey. Aside from the restaurant, they also have other food  for sale in the cabinets. It's a simple restaurant but more and more people kept coming to this place because of one thing, they want a taste of their fried chicken. 

Lolo Claro's Restaurant offers a variety of dishes on the menu. But as for me, I went for SELECTA 6 Combo Meal where you can get a half chicken and  garlic rice. Some of my friends also ordered SELECTA 5 Combo Meal where you could also try their famous Lumpyang Ubod. 

We are just waiting patiently for our food! 

All the combo meals come with an iced tea, but if you are want a big serving of Iced Tea you just have to pay an additional Php 50.00 . Their ice tea is a real thirst quencher. It's almost like an ice-cream because of the finely crushed ice. It is homemade and they use honey as their natural sweetener. 

In addition to my half chicken, I also ordered a LUMPIANG UBOD for Php 50.00 which is a famous Filipino version of vegetable spring roll. This is super delicious and this is really a must try!

And finally! The famous fried chicken arrived! Well, if you looked at it, it kind of reminds you of a chicken coming from a very famous Filipino restaurant. I was also told but I am not sure if it's true, that the owner of this place used to work at that restaurant. I didn't really bother about the history much , but what I am sure of is that this one taste so much better than any other fried chicken I've tasted ever! 

The garlic rice complemented the dish. The fried chicken was marinated so well and the skin was so crisp and the meat just fell from the bone. It was a divine creation! 

Lolo Claro's Restaurant may not be that fancy but the food specially their fried chicken is something to savor. A highly recommended place  to dine in Marogondon, Cavite! 

Beach Camping at MANUEL UY Camping Site in Calatagan Batangas

If you are in search of a nice place for beach camping, one place is now becoming more and more popular for budget backpackers and that is the site in Calatagan, Batangas called MANUEL UY CAMPING SITE. 

So we immediately searched for this beach and found out that it's not that far away from Manila.  It is located right next to one of the most visited beach resorts there which is Stilts Calatagan . 

From Cavite, it took us only 3 hours to get to Manue Uy Beach Camping Site. The road was very easy and with the help of a GPS we easily located the camping site. The Manuel Uy sign was quite small and is right after you pass Stilts. Make sure you do a slow drive so as not to miss the signboard.

HOW TO COMMUTE TO MANUEL UY: 

By Van:

1. Taje a van from the back of KABAYAN HOTEL in Pasay for Php 180.00  to Calatagan Proper. Travel Time is around 2 to 3 hours. 

2. Take a tricycle to Manuel Uy for Php 200.00 good for 4 persons. 

By Bus: 

1. Bus to Lian from DLTB Buendia Taft for around Php 160.00

2. Ride a jeepney from Lian to Calatagan for around Php 40.00

3. Then take a trycicle to Manuel Uy Camping Site for Php 200.00

Here are the updated rates for Manuel Uy Camping Site. 

A short drive from the registration area, we finally saw the beach and immediately you can tell how busy the place is already. It is better to arrive early so that you can choose your camp site. 

Luckily, we were one of those that arrived quiet early and got a nice site with a table for Php 300.00 and that is good for the whole night already. It was also handy to set up tents under the shade as well because it can get quite hot, especially in the mid afternoon. 

For those who want to  wash or take a bath, an improvised toilet and bathroom are available for Php 20.00 next to a small convenience store. Since this is a beach camp, it is better to buy your food and drinks in Calatagan and bring them all at the camp site. The store only stocks the basic needs like coffee, sodas, alcoholic drinks and basic toiletries. 

After seeing the the long white sand beach, now I know why this place is so famous. For a beach camp, I find this a perfect location for that. Guests can pitch up their tents wherever they like and just simply relax and enjoy the experience. 

Aside from the tourists, locals also thrive in the area as this also serves as a fishing village for them. 

In addition to the beautiful beach, we were also blessed with a great weather. And much later in the afternoon, we were so surprised when a very strong wind suddenly blasted across the beach almost blowing our tents away. It was weird, it carried on for a while and later we saw kite surfers suddenly show up enjoying the strong winds. 

The sun was finally about to set and what a gorgeous sunset it was - what a way to end the evening! 

Morning came I just came to realize that Manue Uy is really a nice beach to visit. With the affordability of the overall costs and the beautiful landscape, this is a place I see myself coming to more often.

Calatagan is known for it's shallow but very clear water. Manuel Uy has the same type benefits but you would have to walk far just to get to the right depth. But the water was nice and warm so we had a great swim!

The sand was so nice, very fine and so soft on the feet. The beach generally was well kept and very clean. 

With me are some of my friends that always join me, especially if I organize a beach camp. From left to right: Daniel, Kent, Jeff, Ver, and Jobats. 

Normally tricycles are on standby all the time for departing passengers and just in case you see none, you can just phone one. 

The trip to Manuel Uy is really a nice addition for those wanting to go on a beach camp adventure. The place was close to Manila, the beach was clean, the view was great, and most specially, you don't need to pay too much to have a good time. We will definitely be back!

HYBRID PROJECT - A Taste of Modern Filipino Cuisine in the Heart of Imus, Cavite

Being the flag capital of the Philippines, Imus City, Cavite is becoming one of the vibrant cities to explore in the province of Cavite. Aside from from the historical value of this town, the culinary experience is something you must explore in Imus City. 

Located in Tirona St very close to the Imus Plaza, one restaurant that is making itself known for its food is the Hybrid Project. 

From the outside, the restaurant seems like an ordinary vintage house.  Since we had an event at Imus Complex and still had time to spare, we decided to try HYBRID PROJECT for lunch. 

Aside from modern Filipino cuisine, Hybrid is also a favorite hangout place, especially in the evenings. Wines, spirits, and beers are also available. 

I love coffee and I must say the one at Hybrid was awesome! As a coffee lover, I love it in big servings and when you order an Americano Coffee  for Php 60.00, you will be served a big cup of coffee. I was shocked how big it was but I loved it a lot! 

The ambiance inside was really quaint. The interior was simple, homey, and very Filipino with some modern touches. 

Ok time to order! For our starters we had Chicken Wings -  Php 160.00 . They have two flavors available for the wings so I decided to have them mix both flavors and it was perfect. This is a great way to start your meal at Hyrid. The wings were crisp, meaty, and the sauce was delicious!

Tower Burger Php 205.00 - This is one of their best sellers. Enjoy a double home made beef patties that was so tasty and well seasoned. The black burger buns that are so soft and very moist also adds to the aesthetic look of the burger. Chips are also available on the side. 

Sisig Rendang Php 175.00 - A beef dish that is cooked for hours and and infused with Hybrid Sisig Indonesian sauces. 

Over-all, we were very impressed with Hybrid Project and I am so pleased that restaurants 

like this are springing up around the very historical City of Imus. So if you are going to visit Imus City, might as well try our food here and start your palate adventure with some delicious modern Filipino cuisine, THE HYBRID PROJECT! 

Phone Number: 

(046) 454 4603

Address:

 118 Maestro G. Tirona St. Imus, Cavite

AGZAM RESORT AND SPA : A Beautiful Garden Resort and Spa to Stay in Kalibo, Aklan

When we think of Kalibo, Aklan, we are always reminded of Boracay which is one of the world's best beach and also the famous festival which is Ati-Atihan Festival always held in January.  But Kalibo has so much more to offer and that's what I came in to explore. 

And during my stay in Kalibo, one resort really stood out for me and that is Agzam Resort and Spa. The resort is located Liberato Rd which is around 6 km from the city of Kalibo.  Agzam Resort is also one of the closest to the Kalibo International Airport. 

As you enter the resort, you will already get a feel of the vibrant culture that  is conveyed by the decor all over the resort such as the decor found in the reception area. 

In every resort I go to, the swimming pool is a must, especially if a beach is not available. At Agzam Resort and Spa, it has an amazing Olympic size swimming pool that was just so inviting that I couldn't wait to take a plunge.

Having 6 swimming lanes, this is a haven for avid swimmers like me. You also see some students who come either in the morning or in the afternoon for their training. The pool is 4 feet in depth at both ends and 5 feet deep in the middle. 

If you are a big group, you must try Pugad Lawin Hut on the top right facing the swimming pool. 

Guests can avail of the tables and bamboo huts for rent . Their style of cottages is one of my favorite features of the resort. I remember just hanging out in one of huts just chilling while listening to some cool house music. A sign of a traveler having a relaxing time! 

When you are inside Agzam Resort and Spa, you will notice the beautiful garden landscape that is so well-maintained and creates a relaxing ambiance.

If you are planning to stay overnight, Agzam Resort and Spa has 12 rooms to choose from. Since I was travelling alone, I availed of the Standard Room which is so spacious. I even have my own kitchen in the room. The bed was very comfortable, the air-con works perfectly and the water pressure was great! I did get a nice sleep! 

Another thing that you must explore at Agzam Resort and Spa is the dish that they are very famous for and that is the Binakol. I haven't tasted it before but I was so eager because when my friends found out I was visiting Kalibo, they told me that I had to try it. So I went straight to the dining area and immediately ordered much awaited Binakol!

A dish so famous in Aklan, Binakol is a chicken soup dish that is cooked in coconut juice and also cooked in the coconut fruit. I couldn't wait to give it a try. 

If I will be asked what I think of Binakol? DELICIOUS! I love the taste of the coconut juice and chicken together. Combination beautifully blended and to my surprise I finished all of it! It's that delicious! 

Another must try at Agzam is their Pork Sisig. Yum yum!!!!

Everybody wants to be pampered and here at Agzam, you can visit KAMA-LOKA SPA and avail of their signature massages. The price range of the massage is from  Php 350.00 to Php 1000.00. Complimentary house tea is also available for the guests.  What a way to end off your holiday in Kalibo!

My stay at Agzam Resort and Spa really made my visit to Kalibo something to remember. The staff were very friendly and hospitable, the food was amazing, the resort and their accommodation was very clean and well maintained. Just what I was expecting my stay in Kalibo would be! 

RATES

Entrance Fees:

Day Time (6:00 am - 6:00 pm) - Php 70.00

Night Time (6:00 pm - 12:00 mn ) - Php 100.00

Poolside Bamboo Benches: 

Bamboo Huts - Free with Php 500.00 consumable of food and

 drinks (4 Hrs of Use) - POOL FEE EXCLUDED

Bamboo Benches - Free with Php 250.00 consumable of food and

 drinks (4 Hrs of Use) - POOL FEE EXCLUDED

Pugad Lawin Hut - Free with Php 1000.00 consumable of food and

 drinks  - POOL FEE EXCLUDED

Address: 

Liberato Rd. Linabuan Norte, City Proper, Kalibo, Philippines, 5600 agoda

Phone Numbers: 

+639335128878

+63362624240