Travel: Tarlac trip - Day 1

January 16, 2015

We were running a little late because I went and saw Pope Francis as he travelled along Nagtahan on his way to Malacanang Palace.  Instead of leaving early, we were only able to take off around 1130 AM.  It was still a fast drive since we reached our first toll booth at around 1215 where we paid P45.  By then, everyone was hungry and we ended up having lunch at Jollibee Shell Station along NLEX.

Even after finishing their lunch, the kids were still hungry in the car and started eating their Sweet Corn snacks.  This kept them entertained during the long drive.

Eventually, we reached our 2nd toll gate on the NLEX.  We were exiting at Dau to reach the SCTEX and at this Toll Booth, we paid P173.  There was a bit of traffic with a number of cars heading to Subic.  Good thing that they set up extra toll booths along the extent of the highway to cope with the volume.  We paid P104 to use the SCTEX.

 

We continued driving and the kids were fascinated by Mt. Malarayat in the background.  

We reached the TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) in no time.  It took about 20 minutes from the SCTEX to reach this point.

It took another fifteen minutes to reach the exit at Pura, Tarlac from the TPLEX.  At this point, we paid another P58.  The total travel time was around 2 hours since we entered the NLEX at 12noon and reached the Tollbooth at Pura by 3PM.  It took one hour for us to eat our lunch.  That was a fast drive considering it used to take us around 3-4 hours before.

We would have reached our destination in Gerona in a few minutes but we chose to drive to Pura instead to visit our Tita Flor but unfortunately, she wasn't home.

All in all, we paid P380 for the toll fees.

When we reached Uncle Bebot's home, we got settled in first.  Later in the afternoon, we tagged along with JR when he did his errands about town.  We went to SM City Rosales (didn't take pictures because SM malls are relatively alike) and then to City Walk in San Roque, Tarlac where we had snacks at Nathaniel's.  Their Buko Pandan Salad is to die for :)

Inside City Walk

Buko Pandan Salad

That wraps up our first day in Tarlac.  Technically, we all had a busy day today starting with the Pope and it's good to end it with family and good food :)

2015 Papal Visit - Nagtahan/Malacanang

January 16, 2015

I woke up at around 5:30am to wait for Pope Francis to pass along Nagtahan going to Malacanang today.  It was a rare opportunity and it was only luck that we lived near the area.  In fact, on Sunday, he will pass by directly our house but we won't be here to see him.  That is why I decided to see him now :)

5:45AM - The sky was still dark when I left the house but there were some people walking toward  J. P. Laurel Street and I knew we had the same destination in mind.  Since I was early, I got a good vantage position, right in front of the street where the Pope was supposed to pass.  The taho vendor near me was having a brisk business from all the people that missed breakfast just so they can be first in line.  I wanted to buy too but I didn't want to risk going to the bathroom (where there's none) and miss the Pope.

Smooth traffic

6AM - Traffic was still flowing smoothly at this time but people were starting to gather along the streets.  Aside from the taho vendor, 7-11 was also busy with all the people wanting coffees and hot chocolates to fill their empty stomachs.  There were staff that went around collecting trash though which was good.  There were military men strategically positioned around the area.  It made you feel safe but scared at the same time.

Police deployment

By 7AM, traffic was slowing down because of the arrival of the dignitaries.  Different sized, mostly black luxury cars (there were a lot of Lexus) were continuously passing by and for me, it became a game to identify the flags on the cars. :)  There were also fast convoys, most likely the Cabinet members, who were zooming to Malacanang.  This continued until 9AM and the level of anticipation of the people was at an all-time high.  Whenever someone started to shout and clap, everyone started pushing forward to get a better view.  Even the Legarda Flyover was filled with people!

Finally, around 9:15, Pope Francis whizzed by.  It was rather disappointing that he wasn't in the Pope Mobile but in the VW Touran which was smaller and you couldn't really see him.  I only had a glimpse of him for about 2 seconds! and I wasn't even able to take a picture/video by then, the phone lost all battery.

After 3 1/2 hours of waiting, it was over in seconds.  Some people didn't even realize that he already drove by because they were expecting him to be in the Isuzu Pope Mobile.  Well, there's always the livestreaming and TV. :)

Another tasty trip to Tamagoya

January 14, 2015

Some of you may know that Pope Francis is due to visit the Philippines from January 15-19.  As part of his itinerary, he will be visiting the University of Santo Tomas.  The reason why I'm mentioning it is because I learned today that we had to move Stanley, who is currently parked on the sidewalk because we have a test unit parked in the garage, to a different parking area for security reasons.  The Pope and his entourage will be passing by the street in front of our house and no car should be on the sidewalk when they pass on their way to UST.  So, we had to find Stanley a new parking slot for the duration of the holiday.

We then ended up bringing Stanley to Stevie's house in Marikina so he can be safely parked in their garage and we didn't have to pay for parking fees.  I think overnight parking fees near our area cost P300 for overnight parking.  Anyway, that's why Patrick and I ended up visiting Tamagoya once again.  We first visited Tamagoya last year.  We liked the food so much that, because now we were in the vicinity again, we couldn't pass up the chance.   This time, I was able to take pictures too hahaha

I ordered the Miso Ramen and Patrick ordered the Tamagoya ramen.  My miso ramen came with togue (monggo sprouts), a bit of nori, a slice of pork, an egg and corn kernels.  It was a good combination of salty (miso) and sweet (corn).  It was delish! :) Patrick's Tamagoya ramen included bamboo shoots, pork and nori.  We shared an order of pan-fried gyoza too.
 

Miso Ramen = P158

Tamagoya Ramen - P198

Pan-Fried Gyoza = P98

The last time we ate at Tamagoya, we were offered Choux Creme for dessert.  It was what we know as Creme Puff, a light crusty pastry with a creme filling.  I'm a sucker for creme puffs and that time we ordered the regular one and one with a strawberry filling.  This time, Patrick and I ordered the regular Choux Creme each.  It's the perfect way to clear your taste buds of the oil of the ramen :)  It was really good and there was a lot of filling! Sometimes, creme puffs can be disappointing because it's more bread than filling. Glad it wasn't the case here :D 

Choux Creme (Creme Puff) = P48

Choux Creme (inside)

Before leaving, naturally, I had to visit the restroom and I took a photo of it too hahaha It's quite small but clean. This was the downstairs bathroom.  There's also another one on the 2nd floor.  There was good running water, tissue, soap and a trash can.  

Female Bathroom (downstairs)

So, here's our receipt.

Our Receipt

If you want to visit Tamagoya Noodle House, they are open Tuesdays - Sundays (Monday-Closed) 11AM - 2PM and 5PM - 9PM only.  They are often full so expect a bit of waiting time.  Here is their address:  2 VV Soliven Avenue, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City.  Phone 861-86-31.

What's interesting about Tamagoya is that they also don't accept tips because as they say, "It is their pleasure serving you".