Tarlac's Isdaan Beyond Food

After the sumptuous lunch featured in the last post, let me now share you some of the sights or things to see in Isdaan. I still opine that the general theme of the place is Buddhism or meditation mainly because of large statue of a Buddha and smaller ones scattered around the restaurant. Morover, there are lots of koi in the pond and lush greenery abound perfect for meditation.

Food Trippin' in Isdaan

A group of friends (four of us) in Cabanatuan decided one Saturday morning to have lunch at Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac. It was hot and clear in Cabanatuan as we drove-off (with me as the designated driver) but as we approach Tarlac, the weather became gloomy and heavy rain started to fall. In fact, we have to stop driving and park my car on the side of the road because the rains were so heavy that visibility was almost nil. Nevertheless, we arrived in Gerona safely although its almost an hour past noon.

The restaurant was fully-packed so we waited another hour to be accommodated. But one thing good about Isdaan is that there are lots of things to see, from the Tacsiyapo Wall to the interesting landscapes and figures. Let the scenery take the back seat for this post is all about food:

Innapoy

Innapoy or Rice Rolls is a Tarlac delicacy made up of sticky rice mixed with curry, sugar, chorizo and cutlets of meat rolled-up in Banana leaves. A single serve consist of four rolls cut in halves and perfect as an appetizer.

Naga's Metropolitan Cathedral

To end this triumvirate posts on Naga's Penafrancia Churches, let me feature one of Bicol's oldest and most impressive stone church - the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Naga's Church of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia

It was perfect timing. Although my intention was just to take few snaps of the place, the mass was just about to start so I decided to attend the mass instead. What amazed me most in this church is the painted ceiling of flowers, angels and various images of the Virgin Mary. It felt rustic and modern at the same time.

Naga's Basilica Minore de Penafrancia

This will be a three-post series on the Penafrancia Churches of Naga City. As you may know, every September, thousands of devotees make a pilgrimage to this city for the Penafrancia Festival, in celebration of the Virgin of Penafrancia. I happened to visit Naga City this summer and have decided to visit these churches sans the festival crowd and let me share photos of these churches starting with the Basilica Minore de Penafrancia.

Mahabang Buhangin @ Calaguas Island

I thought I have seen the best beaches in the Philippines - but not until I set foot on Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte. Tell me what a good beach should be and this beach will definitely exceed your expectation.