2 BARBECUE ALL YOU CAN, EAT ALL YOU WANT AT CHARAPTOR

Charaptor Signage along Kamagong area.

The newest craze in town, Filipinos really love to eat and whenever buffet is concern expect that everyone gonna love it. Charaptor Charcoal Barbecue Bar just opened recently with a twist of "unlimited-inihaw" and we all know, pork barbecue is the people's taste. I remember this place was just a plain restaurant and whatever changed they do, it's a smart move and effective. Though I'm not sure if it's still the same owner.

This place is situated at Kamagong corner Aranga streets in Makati City, inside San Antonio Village. If this place is not familiar to you or first time to visit, I'm not sure if you can find it easily. Kamagong steet is one-way so it's hard to maneuver, but if you are familiar with Kingswood Arcade along Chino Roces Avenue then that's your point of reference. Enter at Pablo Ocampo Sr. extension then left at Sampaloc street and you're there. Just look for their huge signage.

Inside the Charaptor.

We arrived around 7 PM and luckily there were vacant tables. I think were just really lucky because I heard, most of the time, they have a long wait-list. No wonder there are chairs piling outside for people waiting.

When you get inside, they have rows of tables with four dedicated chairs but you can ask for an extra one. Each table has exhaust tube to suck out the smoke from the grill. I suggest if they still have numbers of tables available, you can stay outside to get some fresh air, this place is not air-conditioned as it is open but expect of terrible heat because obviously everyone is grilling their foods. Although they have ceiling fans but not enough.

Everyone is busy grilling.

The practice is very simple; once you get a table, waiters prepare for your table and combusted charcoal. Then go to the buffet area to get the raw meats..AS MANY AS YOU CAN. Or you can get another plate if you want to get more foods to grill. It's all up to you. No one will stop you. Remember, BBQ ALL YOU CAN! You can go back and get another raw foodies to grill as many times you like.

Selection of Seafoods (Shrimp & Tuna Belly), tofu, marinated beef and hotdog.

Don't be surprised, you have plenty of options. They have veggies, pork, marinated beef, chicken drumsticks, fish, shrimp, tuna belly, skewered eggs, squid, hotdogs, corn, and many more. They also have dozens of sauces that you can pair with your grilled goodies. They also have plain and yang chow rice available.

You can also have some french fries, and chicharong bulaklak.

On the other side where you can get your drinks with different flavors - distilled water, iced tea, red tea, blue tea, pineapple juice. You can also order beers, but that would be outside the rate that you are paying.

This is the pork section, sweetened pork and barbecue pork, they also have isaw.

The sauces, dozen of flavors.

Once empty, waiter are refilling them. So don't worry.

Go back as many times are you can, get more as many as you can.

It's grilling time. If you came hungry, please have a little patience. You are required to wait for your foods cooked. Just enjoy grilling and exercise your stomach a little for the incoming sumptuous flavors. You can also brush your food with teriyaki and barbecue sauce. While waiting for cooked food, we get bottomless juices for everyone.

Plenty of meat and seafoods.

Here's my tip:

1. Wear comfy clothes, again Charaptor is not an air-conditioned place, plus it is summer.

2. Never came super hungry, it takes time to grill.

3. If you love pork and wish to eat more, avoid eating rice, it'll make your stomach full easily.

4. Don't drink too much.

5. Slow and steady..take it easy. Don't forget to talk and have a small conversation it'll help.

6. Bring cologne, when you're done you have the grilling smell. :)

Best partner for pulutan..is ice coold beer.

Are we there yet? Picture picture first. Lol.

PRICE AND SCHEDULE:

LUNCH: 

Starts from 10 AM - 2 PM at the price of 390 PHP, they don't have lunch during Monday. Yes before, lunch rate at 290 PHP. 

DINNER: 

Monday through Thursday dinner starts at 6 PM - 11 PM at the price of 390 PHP. 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, dinner starts at 5 PM - 12 MN at the price of 490 PHP.

San Mig Beer is 60 PHP per bottle.

I enjoyed my experience at Charaptor. Unlimited inihaw all you want. Although I would suggest adding deserts or any sweets, ice-cream or cake. Price is affordable with the unlimited food selections. Also, the place is hot, what more during lunch time. I understand it is an open place so I suggest having water powered air conditioner.

We stayed outside so we can breathe freely.

CHARAPTOR CHARCOAL BARBECUE BAR

9752 Kamagong Corner Aranga Street,

San Antonio Village, Makati City

02 - 8975133

6 MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK RIVER: THE BOUNDARY OF RIZAL AND QUEZON

Perfect silhouette at the Summit of Mt. Daraitan, the atmosphere is still dark waiting for the sunrise.

First hike for 2015 and I am pretty excited coming back to the mountains. It has been a long time since then, I guess it's almost 8 months of silence. It is by choice, and for safety as well. The year 2014 wasn't really a good year for Pinoy mountaineers. I dunno but out of those numbers we were the one who experienced the kind of trouble. It was August 2014 when one in my group drowned at Mt. Romelo. That was really a bad experience and I'm the one who opened the climb. Thankfully he was saved after couple of minutes reviving his life. Therefore, I decided to stop til start of 2015. 

"The mountains are calling and I must go". 

Words lingering my ears. And I heard that my mountaineering group has been planning for a climb to start the new year. Of course, it's a go. I've been lonely for months bearing the speedy life of the city.

The group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan in Tanay Rizal near boundary of General Nakar in Quezon. It is about four hours drive from Manila and no need to spend too much time for traveling. This place offers several activities like hiking at the summit of Daraitan and it's well-known for its sea of clouds, swimming at the Tinipak River and spelunking. 

Meet my TOSOC Mountaineers family.

We met at Shaw Boulevard and left at 6 AM with a rented jeep straight all the way to the jump-off point, in front Brgy. Hall of Daraitan. Although travel time is three hours but we stopped in Taytay market to buy foods to cook at the summit. 

Looking at the pictures on Google, I thought there will be river-crossing or riding in balsa but I'm surprised the local community placed a wooden bridge so that jeepneys and tricycles can pass through. We arrived in front of Brgy. Hall on time and took a rest for few minutes and then prepared to commence our climb.

Since we are 13, we are required to get two guides. They're strict with 1:10 ratio. We tried to make a deal, however, they're really strict so we got no choice.

And this is the ascent part..the entire trail is ascent I'm telling yah.

Take 5 is mandatory..no view yet but fresh air is important.

According to Pinoy Mountaineer, this is a minor climb with 4/9 difficulty rating. True enough, minor yet expect of more ascent trails. I can say the trails are likewise as Pico de Loro but I need you to put an extra energy, your lungs and intestines shall require you to get more air. The trail is well-maintained and covered with rocks and muddy. But nothing to worry there are trees to hold.

After four hours of climbing, we finally arrived at the campsite. There are three campsite locations in this mountain. First one is the largest that can accommodate up to 10-15 tents, but it's far enough to get to the summit. Second is about 15 minutes away to the summit and we stayed there, and the last one is at the summit itself.

The campsite is not flat, and it's really hard to pitch a tent. The place was covered with huge rocks and small trees, it can serve up to 7-10 tents.

SMILE even if you don't want to..hingal pa more. 

After we pitched our tents, we decided to visit the summit for the lovely sunset. It is really beautiful with a backdrop of Tinipak River and it looks like the great Amazon River. There are also rock formations on top where you can stand and get your amazing photo. Mt. Daraitan is surrounded by summits of Sierra Madre or I guess Daraitan itself is part of this Sierra Madre mountains.

This is the summit on Sunset and the trail of Tinipak River.

Photoshoot at this boulder at the edge of the summit.

One more photoshoot with Stifler!

Ater the sunset viewing everyone back on their tents and tidy up. We have no problem with the foods, glad "Tok" is with us, he is assigned to do the cooking. We had Sinampalokang Manok and CPA (Chicken and Pork Adobo) for dinner. And....of course lechong kawali for Pulutan! Unfortunately, we only bought one bottle of Empe Lights and two bottles of Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

And then lights out at 10 PM!

I set my alarm at 5 AM for Sunrise viewing, and before my phone buzz I'm already awake and waking up everyone. 

And here we are waiting for the beautiful Sunrise. Although we're not lucky to witness the sea of clouds that time but still thankful for the magnificent view. Per guide, sea of clouds only appear if it is raining the last night.

Patiently waiting for the Sunrise.

My Solo Project, thank you Francis for this photo.

After the Sunrise viewing, we had breakfast and started to break camp. At 8 AM we started to descent to meet the famous Tinipak River. We follow the trail down to the first campsite, but right after the campsite it would be a separate trail down to the river. It's like doing a traverse.

After three hours, we finally reached the neighborhood, which means, we are near the swimming area and the cave of Tinipak. The white boulders piling up along the shallow rivers. We traced the trail at the side of the river to get to the rest house where we can leave our backpacks and get to the river in light packs.

There you go, this is the swimming area of Tinipak River. It has clear and flowing waters and the huge white boulders. It is now notable as tourist destination in Tanay. Some of the groups decided to just stay at the Tinipak River and not to climb at Mt. Daraitan. Although Tinipak River is already part of General Nakar Quezon and Mt. Daraitan is still part of Rizal yet nothing to worry on additional fees.

This is Tinipak River with white huge boulders.

We decided to get to the cave first spending time at the river. And this is my favorite part in the river activities, there will be stepping on steep ladder, wall climbing and crossing the bridge. The mouth of the cave has small opening, enough to one person at a time. It is also required to bring flashlights as you know it is really dark inside the cave. And when you get in, expect of its magnificent formation of limestones and the common stalactites and stalagmites. The water is also pretty cold.

Daraitan and Tinipak River is indeed a place to visit, they have numerous activities to offer from the summits to deepest. No wonder those people don't like hiking are still coming to Daraitan, not to climb but to experience the beautiful rivers of Tinipak with its turquoise flowing water.

My Solo Project inside the Cave.

All in blue..picture picture after swimming inside the cave.

Here's the small basin at the cave, this would be the end of the trail. You gonna love the water here, it's super duper cold. Thanks Francis for the photo.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Your initial point is at Starmall in Shaw Boulevard. Ride FX/Van bound to Tanay and get off at Tanay Market. The travel time would be two hours depending on the traffic situation. Then from Tanay Market, ride a tricycle/jeep bound to Brgy. Daraitan, travel time would be one to two hours.

Note: Tricycle bound to Brgy. Daraitan would bring you straight to Brgy. Hall (like we did) but when rainy season, they will be removing the connecting bridge. Your choice is riding balsa for 5PHP. Also, we didn't do the public transportation, we hired a jeep from Starmall straight to Brgy. Hall. You can contact Joel at 0922-321-4698.

ITINERARY:

05:00 AM: Meet up at Shaw Boulevard

07:00 AM: Departure Shaw Boulevard

09:00 AM: Arrived in Taytay Market (Grocery)

10:30 AM: Arrived at Daraitan in front of Brgy. Hall

11:30 AM: Start Trek

03:30 PM: Arrived at the Campsite

05:00 PM and onwards: Sunset Viewing / Socials / Lights Off

05:00 AM: Wake up for Sunrise viewing

06:30 AM: Breakfast / Breakcamp

08:00 AM: Start decent

11:30 AM: Arrived at Tinipak River

12:00 PM: Explore Tinipak River and Cave

01:00 PM: Lunch

02:00 PM: Arrived back to Brgy Hall Tidy Up

03:30 PM: Travel back to Manila

EXPENSES:

• One guide is 1,250 PHP (overnight) and 850 PHP (dayhike) for 10 pax.

• You can try to haggle to get for a lower cost. I tried my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

• Per research, FX Ride to Tanay Market is 70 PHP. Rented Jeep from Tanay Market to Brgy. Daraitan is 3,000 PHP. Balsa whenever river crossing 5 PHP. Tricycle from River to Brgy. Hall of Daraitan 10 PHP.

SIGNPOST:

• I don't know if there's a strong signal for your cellular phones, but I got LTE using Globe. I don't have problem posting photos real-time during that climb. 

• I brought another phone using Smart sim, but the signal is on and off.

• There is no water sources at the summit. So per head is required to bring 4L of water. 1L for your own consumption and 3L for cooking.

• Guides are included on your food budget.

• Guide may also bring your stuff for 300 PHP.

1 SINGAPORE: COZIEE LODGE BACKPACKERS HOSTEL, THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND COSY STAY AT THE LION CITY

In the recent surveys, the Republic of Singapore marked the most expensive country to visit with. Geographically, it is the smallest country in South East Asia yet the most successful in terms of economy. This small country has a lot of things to offer – from tourist attractions to modern architecture, best in transportation and rendezvous to the latest technology. No wonder despite the costly living, the Lion City is one of the most visited countries in the world.

When traveling abroad, lodging is on the top list to consider especially if you are in shoestring. That’s why when visiting Singapore it is important to look for the most affordable stay because here where you spent most of your money. You might want to check Coziee Lodge Backpackers Hostel. So far this is one of the most affordable stays I searched on the internet. 

Coziee Lodge front door along Geylang Road

We paid 5,746.40 PHP for four pax and price for 2 nights. So each will have to pay 1,436.60 PHP and I think this is already within the budget. Again this price is already good for two nights. Check-in time is 2 PM and check-out is 11 AM. 

We arrived past 10 AM after waiting for freaking hours at Kranji Station. We were welcomed by one of the care-taker at the information. I dunno if he is the owner or just an employee. Well I guess he is the owner. We showed our reservation from booking.com and waited for a couple of minutes as they have to prepare our bed. 

They have living room setup near the stairs so visitors can relax, read books or interact with other foreign visitors. They also have computer sets if you want to connect online also in the living room. This place is somehow spacious but the most important is high-speed wifi connection.

Here's the living room at the second floor.

They have computer sets, free of use also at the second floor.

This hostel has four rooms and each room houses up to 16 people. Yes, please don’t expect that you’ll get a private room unless you are willing to spend a couple of dollars. When the bed is ready, they brought us to the second floor so we can rest our dead body after a couple of hours ride from Malaysia. As expected there were already groups of backpackers sleeping and some were checking their phones.

I learned that each room has a unique theme. We were at V-Room (Victorian) which is mixed of male and female. They have also a special room (Old Nanyang) which is only for female guests. Every guest has personal lockers provided and that’s for free. So don’t worry of extra charge. It has also showers and toilets with heater and shower gels.

Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to explore the whole place. After I get to bed, I opened my phone for a while to note our family back home of where we were and then sleep.

This is one of the room with kinda like nautical theme.

This is the Victoria room, here where we slept.

Coziee Lodge is located in the central area of Kallang. About 3 minutes walk from Kallang MRT Station. So this place is really strategically situated to the most main attractions and districts in Singapore. It has also bus stops across the street with access to some areas of Singapore. The stretch of Geylang Road where this lodge is exactly situated has restaurants where you eat at affordable prices. 

Thumbs up with Kuya, darn forgot his name. He likes to talk and chat with visitors.

Jerome and Hart with Kuya, darn really forgot his name. :D

COZIEE LODGE PTE LTD.
77A & 79A Geylang Road, Singapore 389197
Tel: (65) 6846 4358
E-mail: enquiries@cozieelodge.com

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