Friday, June 28, 2013

Philippines - Manila, To Do (ayala Museum, Gren Belt Malls and Church)

Manila - To Stay
Milan - To Do
Manila - To Eat
 
Manila - To Buy
Manila - To Do
Exploring the Makati Area
Ayala Museum, Green Belt Malls & Church

A four story museum, which houses the art and history of the Philippines. Despite it being ranked number 3 out of 14, of the attractions to do in Makati, it fell short of expectations.

Special mention goes to the gold exhibit on the top floor, crafted into various ornamental/functional/ceremonial pieces were amazing. With the price of gold that it is today, it was a wonder why no one had attempted to steal it. The crowning piece was a ceremonial gold sash of sorts weighing in at near 3kg.

Overall, its alright place to get away from the heat of the day, however the no photography policy did put a downer on things. For just the gold section it would be worth 75peso for the exhibit, but not the rest of the museum.
ABBAdetails
Entry charges, Peso 350 for Level 1-3 +additional 75Peso for 4th floor gold exhibit.Click here for ABBA location of Ayala Museum Dela Rosa Street, Lungsod ng Makati, Philippines 
Click here for ABBA details on Ayala Museum 
Greenbelt Mall, Garden and Church
Also located within the same area as Ayala Museum are the green belt malls and enclosed garden space. All the major brand names are available, but perhaps most welcoming are their wide selection of fine bistros and alfresco dining over looking the garden oasis.
Also located in the middle of the garden space is a quaint, spherical church which at first glance got mistaken for a floating piazza bistro.
Click here for ABBA location of Greenbelt mall, Park and Ayala Musuem, all located within the same area

Balikbayan Handicrafts
If you are looking for home furniture/retro sound speakers or misc decorative items for the house hold, you could visit this establishment which was chanced upon after having had a seafood dinner at Dampa Macapagal(click for ABBA details)
Click here for ABBA location of Balikbayan Handicrafts, HK Sun Plaza, Along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue 1300, Philippines , located opposite Dampa-Macapagal Seafood. 

Philippines - Manila, To Eat (Wingman, Dampa Macapagal)

Manila - To Stay
Manila - To Do
Manila - To Eat

Manila - To Buy
Manila - To Eat
Wingman

Highly revered amongst the locals as having the best chicken wings in town and other accolades, as being one of the must eats while in Manila and in seen in many other websites as well, we had to give this place a try.
Ordered:
A dozen pieces with option of having it done two ways: PHP330
- Buffalo Classic, option of Medium, Hot, Apocalyptic, Pinaka.

*Ordered Hot. Hot was not as spicy as expected. It left no residual heat in the mouth nor did it burn the lips. If I could have a spicy index, perhaps HOT here is to; even less heat off a sweet chilli packet over a Mc Donald's counter.
You can try Apocalyptic or even Pinaka(maximum spice)*

- Garlic Parmesan

*Creamy, buttery and garlic goodness, the second most popular choice on the menu. Definitely enjoyable, and more crispy.
*
Other flavors on their menu; Honey Garlic, Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, Morrocan Chermoula, Hickory BBQ, Prairie Fire, Honey Mustard, Asian Invasion, Szechuan Peanut, Mango BBQ & Jamaican Jerk.


Pulled Pork Burger PHP260

* Really nice, hickory smoked BBQ sauce with the tender, sweet pulled pork. It was unfortunate that burger bun wasn't lightly toasted, nor the meat hot. Essentially a toss up between a cold cut and a hot panini Sandwich. The great flavors are all there but could be served better.*


Fried Sneakers Bar PHP220

* Sinfully amazing. Everyone loves sneakers, but even more if you fry it in a heavy, sweet cake batter with a dollop of ice-cream. Sweet cream nuttiness, with the fried sweet cake, offset by the cooling creaminess from ice-cream. Extreme decadence, to be shared by the many.*


Fed 2 PHP810
 
Overall good wings, with a variety of home made flavorings, sauces and spices. The place was packed just after opening time and you can see a lot of patrons having bags of chicken wings packed to go. Speaks credibility of sorts from the locals. 

Opening hours:
M: 5:00PM - 12:00MN
T, W, Th, Su: 12:00PM - 12:00MN
F, Sa: 12:00PM - 2:00AM

Delivery options:
It would seem prices of delivery vary, as delivery duties are outsourced to free agents. There doesn't seem to be a minimum order, but one seems to be subjected to the additional delivery charges stipulated by the delivery man. Workers say they don't know the cost but speculate its 5% of the order.
ABBA plus points
- Wi-Fi available
- Disposable Plastic gloves available to eat with hands but without the mess.
- Delivery is available.


Dampa Macapagal


This entire area is called Dampa and is the place for seafood in more ways than one. It is home to a line of markets, with a lively array of fresh seafood, as well as various restaurants. The way food is ordered here is a little unique and different.


A noisy, bustling place, with seafood lining either side of the street. The place accepts cash only, but they also have on-hand a 24hr money changer. May not be the place for homophobic individuals.
Click here for ABBA location of Dampa - Macapagal
The ordering system:
*Similar at the other restaurants*  
Option 1:  
Purchase your own seafood from the stalls and have the restaurants cook for you in the various styles listed on the menu. You are charged by the weight categories and type of seafood for the various styles available.
Pros
:
- You can select the freshest seafoods, if one posses the know how and haggle for the best price.
Cons:
- Haggling for a cheaper price maybe tiring.
- If seafood un-fresh, restaurant will not be held responsible.

Option 2: 
Ordering at the restaurants, who will select from the seafood market on your behalf and cook for you in your chosen style. 
Pros:

- Seafood selection process is done for you.
- Quality and freshness is assured.
- Quotation of meal is given prior to cooking. 
Cons:

- You don't really know their seafood selection. I.e type of fish, crab, etc.
- Would be slightly more expensive.

ABBA Recommendations to order:
- Fried Tuna Jaw.
Can be quite large and they usually sell in halves.
- Squid Adobo (black gravy sauce, squid done the local way)
- She-crabs (supposedly named Tiny crabs which are full of roe)
- Get a suckling pig from Lydia and bring along to be had at restaurant for no additional charge. *Suggested by fellow crew*
Click here for ABBA details of Lydia Lechon
Click here for ABBA location of Lydia Lechon, 551 Service Road, Roxas Blvd. Baclaran, Parañaque Metro Manila, Philippines

Ordered On: 13April2016
ABBA Contribution by Kelvin Seet
"Just did a Manila nightspot and with Sherwin 's recommendations, went to Dampa together, bought S$90 worth of seafood and ate at Royal Kitchen Restaurant.

We bought a medium crab, 1+ kg of small bamboo clams, a large packet of prawns, a humongous sea mantis the size of a 1.5L bottle and a big Garoupa (lapu lapu) the size of my forearm. The seafood prices are bargainable! Try to slash 30%. 
 
 
 

 
Cooking fees with one large coconut each and a big bottle of Pepsi™ was about S$50. And it was a truly overfilling meal!

A must when you are in Manila!" - K.S

Ate at:
Sisrose Seafood 
(previously known at Welldone Seafood)

Ordered:
Steamed fish with oyster sauce
*The star dish for the dinner. Freshly steamed grouper, with their semi-sweet oyster sauce served by the side was excellent. The grouper did not have the strong fishy smell, often associated with seafood that had been around for a while.*

Fried Calamari

*Batter was light and squid fresh*

Fried Chicken
*A little burnt I felt but a simple dish*

Asparagus and broccoli

Fed 2: Total PHP1530


Other places one could try

Claire de la Funte
(Most Popular with the locals. Located at the entrance as seen from entrance pic above.)

or
Hongkong Cafe Master Cook
(The most crowded we saw for the night)

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Italy - Milan, To Do (Duomo, Milan Cathedral, Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, The Basilica of Saint Lawrence & The Colonne di San Lorenzo, Musei Teatrale Alla Scala, Castello Sforzesco, Porta Sempione ("Simplon Gate")+ Parco Sempione ("Simplon Park") , Day trip to Lake Como (Bellagio & Varenna)

Milan - To Stay
Milan - To Do
Milan - To Eat

Milan - To Buy
Milan To Do:
15June2013
Click here to see our ABBA Travel Facebook page

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
located at Duomo Station

(World's oldest shopping mall)
This is the place for high-end shopping, to find the latest and trendiest. Soak in the architectural splendor, as the glass topped shopping crossroads, shields you from the elements.Bistros offers refreshments and eats, as well the front row seats to people watch in this beautiful area.
Taken on 25thJune23
*Three more rounds on 24June2023*
In the central mosaic there is a depiction of the bull from Turin Coat of Arms. The tradition tells that if a person put its right heel on the bull's genitals and turn on himself three times, this will bring good luck. This practice causes damage to the mosaic: a hole developed on the place of the bull's genitals. *from Wikipedia.
Taken on 24June23
 taken on 26Aug2014
taken on 26Aug2014
 taken on 26Aug2014
taken on 26Aug2014
The finest materials are used to construct this magnificent structure. Detail over loading from all of the fine craftsmanship. Words cannot describe the awe of hearing the halls echo to the sounds of service. A truly amazing experience. 

ABBATIP:
- Try to go on a church on a service day to truly experience, feel the entire space. Listen how the music from the huge organs echoes through this acoustic space. Even the video does not  do it justice.

Church Service Chanced Upon, Sun 1730hrs.
07Nov2015

Scale Duomo Di Milano About 170steps counted.
ABBATip:
Take the stairs over the elevator. It's €8 versus €11(lift) and saves you over an hour queue time for those taking the lift! (Weekend crowd) Plus, taking the stairs gives you greater satisfaction when you are finally rewarded with the view up top.

Well worth the entrance free. A narrow, angular walk way brings you right to the top of Duomo Di Milano. At absolutely stunning sight to behold, both of the city and up close to the master craftsmanship that goes into making these cathedrals. Incredible!


Its awe inspiring that the roof top and main spine of the massive structure are able to hold hundreds of visitors daily. Tourist constantly walking over it, and soaking in stunning views of the city, phenomenal. The interior doesn't loose out in anyway, now with a 2 entry charge.

Duomo Di Milano Interior
Though it has been a year since my return to this beautiful cathedral, new sections have opened up such as the crypt and the back of the cathedral with its massive stained glass. Somehow the setting sun shining through intricate stained glass brings a unique beauty and charm to the place. A must revisit if you haven't seen it since its last restoration.
 
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
(Home of the Last Supper)
 *internet source picture*
I had literally chanced upon this church, which I later came to the realization that it was the home of the most recognizable and reproduce piece of catholic art work. Leonardo Davinci's Last Supper. Unfortunately it was closed on a Monday and only prior appointments allow for entry. ABBA Details below.

There was however, for, €10 to see Leonardo Davinci's original sketch designs and scribbles on technological ideas and human anatomy. In my opinion a severely overpriced tour for a single room exhibit.

ABBA Details:
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 8.15a.m. to 7p.m

Call center (+39) 0292800360

Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm

www.cenacolovinciano.net

Reservations are compulsory. In order to preserve the painting, only one group every 15mins is admitted.

Click here for ABBA directions to Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 20123 Milano, Italy

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Unassuming from the outside, but like many of european churches, the insides are always grand to varying degrees.
What impressed the most was the extreme eye to detail on the marble statue. The artist able to depict the softness of cloth from the robes, and even the intricate lace and its intricate designs. Stunning.Deeper inside, they had see through caskets of past men of god decked in elaborate gowns as well as what looked like a mini court. *pictured above*


The Basilica of Saint Lawrence & 
The Colonne di San Lorenzo

The church was relatively quaint, and had nice murals against its walls.
The surroundings added to this location visit. With the Colonne Di San Lorenzo, being one of the best known Roman ruins in Milan on one side, and the open space park, thus framing it's grounds.
Click here for ABBA location
Basilica of San Lorenzo Corso di Porta Ticinese, 39, 20100 Milano, Italy ‎


Musei Teatrale Alla Scala
La Scala (Italian: Teatro alla Scala), is a world renowned opera house in Milan. Have a look inside the theater and see various art works, instruments and some of the costumes used for their various performances.

The tour would probably be best enjoyed with an audio tour guide, which would better explain the significance and prominence of the portraits of the prominent opera singers of the time. Pictured above are two of the big name rivals in the opera circuit. When asked about the other in an interview. The response by one, "How can you compare coke to Champaign."
*shared with by a fellow traveller, Daniel*

Click here for ABBA location of Musei Teatrale Alla Scala


Castello Sforzesco
(English: Sforza Castle)


One cannot miss this castle which stands prominently in Milan which  can viewed all the way from Domo.
The moats have been cleared out, and green grass as well as cats have taken over the space. The space also houses several museums. (note; Museums in Milan are generally closed on Mondays)
 
 *In the video, and center picture, you can see scammers whom tie friendship bands and demand a payment. Be aware nothing comes free!*
ABBATIP:
- Take care as individuals offering friendship bands targeting. After having tied, a seemingly 'free' friendship band with a dead knot, they demand payment. As seen in action in the footage of castle ground above. Friendship doesn't come free.


 Castello SForzesco Musuem
8 grants you entry to all the Museums as well as entry to the upper levels and the rest of the castle.



Pretty good actually. You get a birds eye view of the square and access to the rest of the castle. They have a pretty impressive collection and section with in depth video explanations do bring to light the significance of the pieces you see.


For example Michaelangelo's, considered to be his last, yet-to-be finished masterpiece of Mother Mary and Jesus piece is built atop anti-seismic platform. Extensive efforts and prep were put into it before its final display.



Exhibits are pretty varied and the all encompassing ticket is very reasonably priced to see more of the castle. 


 
Porta Sempione ("Simplon Gate")+
Parco Sempione ("Simplon Park") 
The huge park, the castle, and the 'gate to Milan'. A laid back space with youths either basking in the sun, having a game of basketball ball, or young families strolling the grounds. Their ponds are filled with coy and ducks waddling a carefree life.
Talking to locals, the park is relatively safe, with everyone sorta looking out for one another. I was fortunate enough to get to join in a game of basketball with the locals there, only to told later, that one of the players played professionally. Thank goodness he was on our team.


Day trip to Lake Como
(Bellagio & Varenna)
Have a day trip to the beautiful and lovely Lake Como, located to the North of Milan, home of stars like George Clooney, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Branson and many more. 

Como stop itself is quite quiet and the view from there is nice. However, it is highly, highly recommended to take the extra jounrney up to Bellagio, where, literally 'just around the river bend, there's so much more'. Mind blowing scenery and amazing place to go visit. You can get there via bus/boat as we tried both ways.

Bellagio and Varenna are both picturesque townships which are similar but with their slight individuality and charm. Bellagio being the more commericailized as opposed to the more quiet township of Varenna.


Getting from Milan to Lake Como
Train tickets to Como can be bought insdie Cadorna F.N.Triensale station and the change of railway station is outside just outside.  

> At F.N Triensale Station, change over to above ground rail station.

(start station) Milano N Cadorna ----> Como Nord Lago (last stop) aprox 10 round trip ticket.
Journey takes about 1hr.
ABBATip:
- Trains timing, and how to get there available at hotel concierge. Return journey timing aproximately 30mins apart.

- X on Marks Indicates hotel and highlighted stations to take to get to Lake Como.

* Ways to Explore Lake Como*

*Detailed description of routes chosen, time taken and pricing below*
> Bus ride Aprox €3
Pros:
Fast, convinent and see the homes and villas up close.
Cons: Not ideal for photography. High growing shrbubery covers a lot of the view that you would either wise see the alps.
> Slow boat Aprox €4-11
Pros: A really relaxing view of all the villas up close.
Cons: Potential sea sickness. Too slow. Takes about 2/1/2hrs from Vareena to Bellagio. 
> Private fast Boat Aprox €20/paxPros: Private tour for up to a group of 8 depending on boat sizes and be shown the home of the stars and the beautiful villas.
> Sea-plane Aprox €150/2pax
Have not gotten the chance to explore this avenue but to organize, you have to email the aeroclub for reservations and pricing.Click here for latest ABBA details on Aero Club Como
Contact details + 39 031 574495
info@aeroclubcomo.com

Bellagio
(Lake Como)
Getting From Como To Bellagio (Via Bus)

- Bus C30 (or whichever instructed from bus station) from Como station to Belagio.

*bus ride was relatively comfortable, winding through undulating hills and tight paths. Unblocked photography opportunities not as frequent due to high growing shrubby and tree line.*
Click here for ABBA location of getting Bus tickets and getting to the bus station.

Approximately 3 and 1hr journey
Bellagio is the more commercialized of the two township. It houses lots of boutique shops and bistros, lining either side of the walkways. An incredibly rustic township with open villas, dining, framed by glistening waters and snow-capped mountains.
ABBAPoint:
- Boat featured pictured right above. For
€20 Euro you can get a boat ride to view stars of the homes and a guided tour of the beautiful villas. 
- Alternatively, for €300, have the boat take you all the way back to Como.


People watch and soak in the sights as the occasional seaplane does a fly-by and touchdown.

Varenna(Lake Como)
Getting from Bellagio To Varenna (Via Boat)
Boating schedules are available from the board as well as ticket station.
- Approximately 15mins at 4
Varenna is a smaller township, with narrow side walks and cobble stone paths. Very quaint township, and framed in the same natural splendor of lake Como.

Return journey to Como
Vellagio -> Como
(Scenic Route Back Via Boat)



- Approximately 2hrs 30min 11+
*Boat is the way to get beautiful pictures of lake Como, the various villas as well as the surrounding alps. However, a long journey on boat may result in sea sickness due to the heavy rocking upon docking as each of the various stops.*
ABBATip:
- Be aware that not all, boat scheduled service can bring you all the way back to COMO and the wait in between maybe an hour apart.
- Sitting at the back of the boat or more centered, as well being on the lower deck, greatly reduces the chances of motion sickness. It does sway quite violently on the upper deck.