Sunduan

Sunduan has been a much anticipated event in the town of Taytay, Rizal. The word Sunduan was derived from Filipino term "sundo", which denotes "to fetch". In other words, Sunduan may likewise be interpreted as "the act of fetching". In this regard, we can say that this actually means, "fetching a lady". Also, this is akin to the age-old Filipino tradition of Santacruzan.

True to such meaning, in a Sunduan, each lady coming from a single "Barangay" shall be fetched one by one, and with the designated Hermano/Hermana Mayor being fetched last. The representatives of all the participating Barangays shall then converged in a designated place for the grand parade.

Hunny and Kuya Richard

Each of the participating Barangays shall likewise perform a dance number showcasing their own interpretation of a Sunduan.

It really is a one of a kind event not only because of its concept, but also by the sheer number of participants who come in matching outfits.

The Historic Camalig Restaurant

Fresh from the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark, we first decided to go for the famous Sisig but to our dismay, all orders for the day were already taken. Hence, we decided to look for the Historic Camalig Restaurant as it was already getting late.

I have heard a lot of good praises about this one restaurant in Pampanga, which supposedly offers the "Pambansang Pizza ng Pilipinas" (The National Pizza of the Philippines). A claim like that would surely stir the interest and gastronomical sense of food trippin' freaks like us...lol.

Good thing....Ais saw this sign

While I knew the general area where the restaurant is located, I never really knew the exact location of the Camalig. Thanks to a few locals who pointed us to the place.

The Entrance

You might wonder why the restaurant is called Camalig. The reason is that it derived its name from the fact that it really is a Camalig – (a place where grains like rice and corn are kept after harvest.), refurbished into a classy restaurant.

While the restaurant itself is visible from the highway, one may not really notice it unless you know that it is there since the Camalig is located at the rear part of a commercial complex. The restaurant I should say is so unique since they have really incorporated the characters of a true Camalig in making its design.

As for our dinner, we ordered their specialty pizza – Armando's Best, which is really delicious. No wonder many consider it as one of the Philippines' finest. Of course, since we were in Angeles City (the acknowledged "Sisig Capital of the Philippines"), what is there for us better to order than "Sisig" – a Filipino dish made from parts of the pig's head (face, neck, ears), mixed with liver, onions, black pepper, chilli, calamansi (golden lime), and vinegar.

Armando's Best

WOW!!!

Sisig

The food is really great and is also easy on the budget. I also liked the ambience, the music from the piano adds comfort to a weary soul. Even as we were still busy eating our dinner, Hunny kept on saying that we'll be back for more. Looks like we have added another place to our food trip itinerary.

This is the mezzanine also known as Galleria Olivia

Old photos adorn the walls of the Camalig

The Historic Camalig Restaurant
292 Sto. Rosario St., Angeles City,
Pampanga, Philippines
045-8881077
www.camalig.com

17th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

As planned, we went to Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City last Sunday (February 12) to have a weekend of everything that flies. For this trip, Me and Hunny were with our usual travel buddies, Gani and Ais.

We left Manila an hour late than our ETD of 4:00AM, so we were really in a rush to outpace other vehicles at the NLEX. Too bad, the traffic was so heavy as a result of at least 4 accidents. Yes that is right, there were four separate collisions from the Candaba Viaduct up to the area before the Total Gas Station near the San Simon Exit. Sleepy drivers maybe, coupled with those hurrying to beat the traffic in going to Clark. So our spirits were a little bit dampened since we were really trying our best to see the balloons fly.

As expected, we encountered heavy traffic at the entrance to Clark. It took us two long hours to get to the parking lot.

With the balloons already gone, we just resigned ourselves to the fact that we still have the chance to watch the Nightglow, the fireworks display, and of course, the other activities and attractions in the area. Remembering that it was really a weekend of everything that flies, so we'll just look forward for next year's edition for the Balloon flight.

Skydivers

As we were contemplating what to try or where to proceed, we encountered Capt. Joy Roa of the Asian Air Safari, who gamely acceded to our request for a brief photo-op...heeheehee. We were really glad to meet the man behind the HABF.

....with Capt. Joy Roa

Our first stop is the Air Asia booth. Of course, everybody knows that Air Asia is one of the budget-carriers that ply their trade in Clark. Maybe in our next travels we'll be flying with Air Asia...who knows?

Air Asia Phils will soon ply both International and Domestic Routes

We also had fun at the different exhibits featuring the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were planes from the Air Force, jeeps and other armaments from the Army, and the Globemaster of the USAF.

Maverick

"Rambo"

Bazooka

Elmendorf

Globemaster

Abu Sabaya look...

Engr's date...yeehee

We came back in the afternoon for the nightglow, but first, we were treated to a variety of songs by a band from the USAF. And they really perform well. I loved their rendition of the song "Faithfully" by Journey.

USAF

Unfortunately, drizzle and heavy winds made it impossible to inflate the balloons properly. Still, I commend the efforts made by some of the participants who did their best in trying to inflate their respective balloons despite the dreadful conditions.

Nonetheless, we really had a great time and really enjoyed the 17th HABF. Though it was just the second time for us to go to the HABF, I believe more and more people have become interested of the HABF. While we look forward for next year's Fiesta, I now leave you with pictures taken during this year's event.

"Lechon kang bata ka...lol"

Fly Away Home

"I will be the Flame..."

"Nightglow"

Orange

Yes...there were Giant Lanterns too.

Fireworks to cap the Fiesta...