Welcome to travelistakusinera.blogspot.com, a blog about food, travel, cooking, chefs, recipes and culture.

My name is Jaydee David. I live in Philippines with my Family. I am not a professional chef nor baker. I am just a full pledged home cook. I live to travel, seek for the best adventures and yes, I am an adrenaline junkie. I enjoy life up to the fullest. Music keeps me going. I love life so much that I hardly sleep. I love my job, music and movies. I am a traveler at heart. Simply and purely Filipino.

I was born and raised in the Philippines in the age when cooking was also an indulgent pastime. A lot of family recipes have been forgotten because they were not written down. Each cook used their own taste buds to measure ingredients. To the unskilled cook, this is very difficult to replicate. I use cooking as a channel for creativity. Although I like traditional recipes, I always think of new twists to apply to them. Living in Philippines has exposed me to a lot of different cultures which has influenced the way I live, cook and eat. Food is probably the aspect of culture that is most easily embraced. I find it so interesting to learn about the cuisines of other countries.

Photography is a new skill I'm still trying to learn. I like to present the food as I would serve them and hope that the readers can imagine how they taste.

TravelistaKusinera is a collection of recipes that I have learned, adapted or created. Sharing my recipes is my way of sharing my food. I hope you like them! :)

Leche Flan

Ingredients:

• 12 egg yolk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can condensed milk
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel:

• 10 tbsp sugar

How to cook creamy leche flan:

1. Using two bowls, separate the egg yolk from the egg white.

2. Beat the egg yolks slowly.

3. Add the evaporated milk.

4. Then the condensed milk. Mix thoroughly.

5. Add the sugar and the vanilla extract. Mix well.

6. In a small pan over low heat melt the 10 tbsp of sugar (do not stir).

7. Pour the caramel onto the aluminum mold (llanera).Set aside for 2-3 minutes.

8. Pour the mixture onto the aluminum mold and cover the mold with aluminum foil.

9. Steam for 30 minutes.

10 Let cool then refrigerate.

11. Serve as a dessert.

Basic Filipino Greetings

The first thing one needs to know about language in the Philippines is that we have lots of them. We’re an archipelago of different cultural communities with various languages and dialects (not to mention foreign influences that enriched our languages). English is widely spoken here and we also have the vernacular Filipino with Tagalog as its base. Up to this day, this has become an issue to some who belong in other ethno-linguistic groups. It deserves a separate post.

Going back to the question, many Filipinos greet friends/loved ones/anyone in the vernacular with the word ‘maganda‘ to describe each part of the day. In its literal sense, ‘maganda‘ means ‘beautiful’ and I’ll be using it for this post.

Two combined letters (‘ng‘) are attached after ‘maganda‘ to become an adjective. 

Therefore, maganda + ng = magandang.

It’s not really “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening”. It’s more than that. It’s a “Beautiful Day” or “Magandang Araw” to accurately describe what’s ahead for you and me. Sadly, something gets lost in translation.

There’s also “Magandang Tanghali” for noontime, which probably has no direct translation in English. This may have something to do with the time of the day in taking meals (breakfast in the morning; lunch at noon; snacks in the afternoon; dinner in the evening). We just love to eat.

Then it’s followed by something borrowed from the Spanish, “Kumusta?” (from como estas).

If one would talk to younger/trendy folk, one will probably get an answer like “Okaynaman.” Notice that it’s a mixture of English and Filipino.

The standard reply would be, “Mabuti naman. Ikaw?” (“I’m good. You?”)

* * *

Below are some rough rules on physical contact (applicable most of the time but not all the time). Take note that this is the conservative approach to make sure that you won’t be in trouble.

The rules above are conservative in nature but times are changing. A kiss on the cheek is common while a kiss on the lips is reserved for lovers.

There’s also the customary beso-beso (placing one’s cheek to the other or air kisses as my wife told me) between women in some circles. Between men and women, this has been adopted over time but beso-beso between men in the Philippines is a no-no. A firm handshake would do just fine.

The explanation behind this is quite simple: it’s just not ‘manly’ for most Filipino men. Macho, right?

* * *

Speech and body language are important things to take note when one talks to Filipinos. I think this deserves a different post but one tip to know if the greeting is sincere is when it is complemented with a warm smile from your Filipino friend.

Boracay ATM Machines

These ATM machines are the wonder machines of today's technology that we can't live without. These electronic bank tellers are available even outside banking hours,and even during weekends and public holidays -- provided they don't run out of cash, or do not break down due to mechanical or other problems.










A Traveler's Alternative

What do you do when you travel to a remote place that's far from the banking facilities of a modern city?

Well, before the humble Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) was invented, you had a choice of bringing with you either cash or travelers' checks (travellers cheques). Now, you can use your credit cards as well to pay for goods you buy or to get a cash advance.

Problem is: not all merchants will accept credit cards, or if they do, they will slap a 7.5% (common for most hotel and resorts) surcharge! Cash is still king, so don't leave home without it. But not too much of it either because you might end up losing the lot when someone else decides to take your wallet!

Avoid travelers' checks by all means when you're away from a major city. No one, I repeat, no one wants them.

The Automatic Teller Machine to the Rescue

In Boracay, there are currently four major banks offering full banking services, with three of these with their own ATM Machines where you can use your ATM card to replenish your cold hard cash supply:

• Allied Bank, located on Main Road near the beach access to the Tourist Center (with access to Bancnet and Megalink). There is another Bancnet ATM next to the main entrance to Crafts of Boracay.
• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Express Banking Center, located along Main Road. Its Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) provides access to international accounts and credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa, and the nationwide ExpressNet and Megalink
• Land Bank, located on White Beach at Bans Resort near Boat Station 1. They offer full baking services, but currently have no ATM.
• Metro Bank, also located on the Main Road near Patio Pacific Resort. Its ATM has access to MetroBank accounts, MasterCar and Visa through Bancnet

Please note that if your account is with a bank located overseas, you may still incur charges from your own bank. Fees will vary depending on the bank.

General Tips From a Local Resident

There are now at least two automatic teller machines in Boracay which accept Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus & Maestro. One is located in D'Mall, close to Jude's bar, and there is another at the Metrobank on the main road near the back entrance of the Mall.

Don't wait until your pockets are empty to withdraw cash from these machines, as they are frequently off-line or empty, especially at the weekends when you need them most! You can also use your Visa card to withdraw money from the Tourist Center, but this is only advisable as a last resort, as they charge you 7% for the privilege!

Island Hopping in Boracay

Island hopping is one of the popular activities in Boracay. You can arrange the tour through your hotel or directly transact with the many "agents" along white beach.

This tour usually lasts 3-5 hrs which takes you to a few beaches around the island for swimming, snorkeling, Crystal Cove (PHP75 entrance fee) which has 2 caves to explore and lunch (included). The price range for this tour is around PHP2000-3500 (depends on your haggling abilty). Further, you have the option to join a group or rent a private boat, and include lunch in the package or not.

Touring around the Island to explore its beauty of the blue water is a very fascinating adventure. By boat, you can get to the Crocodile island which everybody can enjoy snorkel that you can do fish feeding and you can even swim with a company of fishes and even experience to see the colorful corals and sponges. 

You can go snorkeling or even buy coconuts along the way. It was my first time to see men in their little bancas selling coconuts in the middle of the ocean!

Tour the whole island on crystal waters to surrounding islands, venture to remote beaches and picnic under palm trees— 5% off published rate—starting P1,800 (1-6pax) 3 hours.

Going to Boracay?

When going to Boracay, you have a choice on how to get there: by air, by land or by sea. Although this place is an island right at the center of the Philippine archipelago, it is very accessible whichever route you decide to take.

Airline flights to Boracay is still the best and fastest way of getting there. Manila is the common starting point for travelers, but other airports located in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island, zebu and Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga also have flights to Boracay via Kalibo or Caticlan. If you are an international passenger bound for Boracay, you can catch a connecting flight to either one of these two towns in Panay Island.

Top 10 Things To Do in Boracay

10 things a first time visitor must do on Boracay

1. Get a Boracay Tan. Grab your sun block and suntan lotion and head out to the beach for a quick tan. You’d want to fit into the island vibe as quickly as possible.

2. Shop at the Talipapa in your bikini/speedo. It is an outdoor market where you can buy souvenirs, paintings, t-shirts, tie-dyed sarongs, etc. while still dripping wet from a quick dip at the beach.

3. A full day trip of picnicking and snorkeling around the island by local boat. This is popular among travelers and can be easily arranged. These trips usually include island hopping, a picnic lunch set in an isolated beach and a visit to the northern caves, home of the giant fruit bats and other sites of interest.

4. Try a new water sport. There are plenty that are being offered in the island. From the standard Jet ski, Hobie Cat Sailing, Diving and Windsurfing to the more extreme like Wakeboarding, Parasailing, and Kite boarding.

5. Get into the island spirit by getting a Henna tattoo or have your hair braided into cornrows. You will find a lot of these artistic entrepreneurs at the Talipapa and D’Mall.

6. Boracay Yachting. Tamarind is a 40 foot yacht stationed off Boracay Island. It is fully equipped to ensure ocean going safety and comfort for either day excursions or extended Philippine tours. It departs from Nigi NigiNu Noos Boracay Resort at 11:00 a.m. and returns at Sunset with unlimited drinks, an alfresco lunch, snorkeling equipment and an opportunity to learn the basics of sailing.

7. Enjoy a cocktail or a fruit shake while people watching. The best place to do this is at the Nigi Nigi Too Beachfront Bar. At the end of the day, watch the spectacular sunsets from Nigi Nigi Too Beachfront bar. They offer large variety of tropical cocktails and refreshing juices and it is a relaxing place to start your evening.

8. Fine Dining. Take advantage of the various international cuisines available in Boracay. Have a romantic, candle-lit dinner alone the beach if possible.

9. Massage and Spa. Get a relaxing massage right along the beach.

10. Take a stroll along the 4 km. white beach and bring a camera with you. You never know what interesting finds await you in this Paradise island.

When to Travel?

- Anytime Is The Best Time to Go to Boracay. However, Sport Events And Festivities Are Paramount During The Peak Season From November To May.