Wrapping up Manila and Our First Days in Mangenguey

After the relaxing massage Friday night we slept in for the first time (8 am :) and after breakfast prepared to head to Mangenguey. Jo picked us up around 10:15 and we set off to pick up a case of pastries to bring to the island. We enjoyed one last American meal of Shakey’s pizza, beer and a Cinnabon for dessert while waiting for the plane. Like everything else, the plane was on island time and we took off about an hour late.

Carlos' Dogs Monty and Bogart

Our temporary home in Manila

A Jeepney...Manila's Mass Transit

The other transit option...the Pedi-Cab!

Fast Food Manila Style

After a short 45 minute flight we landed in Busuanga where we were met by a van to drive us to Coron. The bus took us down a dirt road for just over an hour before we arrived at the port to meet our boat.

Check out how happy that guy is!! An ad from the airplane magazine on the flight to Busuanga.

The flight to Busuanga and bus ride to Coron

We arrived at the boat around 4 and enjoyed a peaceful 2 hour ride to Mangenguey, completed by a beautiful sunset as we arrived at the island. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly by Helena and Richard and escorted to our “mud” hut. Helena has appropriately named it “Rosa” and we have ditched the term “mud” hut since it is really a nice 3 room bungalow with two bedroom/bathrooms on the sides and a common space in the middle with a 3 person desk, refrigerator, sink and small camping stove. We showered and changed before heading to dinner. Lucky for us since the island is so remote and far from land or fresh standing water no bug spray is needed. We joined Helena, Richard, Geoff and the 4 guests for an amazing Spanish meal. Helena had prepared some of her classics: Gazpacho, Chorizo and Chicken Paella and Churros con Chocolate for dessert. Normally we do not eat with the guests but since it was our first night and the guests were 2 younger couples Helena had asked if we could join them to celebrate our arrival. After a very tasty dinner filled with great conversation we headed to our room to rest up for our first day of work on the island.



We started our first day in Mangenguey with a beautiful sunrise that we can see from the foot of our bed. After sunrise we enjoyed a brief walk and got to see some of our potential climbing sights. We slathered up before the walk but were happy later when Helena told us that if we are careful and follow the example of the natives (stay out of the sun unless necessary in the afternoon) we can skip the sunscreen and will slowly build our tan 

People got up and got to work a bit later since it was Sunday (around 8ish). I started out with Helena in the kitchen while Trevor bounced back and forth between helping Richard with various construction projects and us in the kitchen. Helena got me started on inventory and familiarizing myself with the kitchen. Ane, our Sous Chef, is very skilled and very helpful and showed us around as needed. We place food orders from various vendors in Manila which are based off of the inventory and we needed an order for Monday to last thru the next week. Helena had also asked us to prepare the dinner for Monday evening so Trevor and I got to work planning a menu based off of the inventory.

In addition to the days tasks Helena began briefing us on her future plans for Mangenguey and some of the obstacles and problems we need to solve to reach her goal of doubling occupancy to 24 guests. We definitely have a lot of projects ahead to keep us busy!!

Our long day was broken up by a nice lunch, a late afternoon swim/beach walk and a nice tour and chat with Richard and Helena in their home. All the staff meals are eaten family style and prepared by Ane. For lunch we had Chicken Adobo, a Tomato, Cabbage and Red Onion Salad and a torta prepared by Helena. We finished the day with a candlelight dinner on the beach (also prepared by Ane) and were ready for bed after a long, information filled day.

Manila Take Two

For our second day in Manila we were given a tour of all the Manila locations where the island purchases food.  Helena's driver Jo picked us up at 9:30 and drove us to meet Helena's youngest daughter Tanya in Cubao.  First we visited the Farmer's Market where we started to familiarize ourselves with all the interesting local ingredients as well as what is available for purchase in general.  The Market is divided into a produce section, meat section and fish section.  We went all around the market but skipped the meat.  Meat sitting out in 90 degree weather just doesn't seem right and is purchased elsewhere. 

We then headed to Säntis Delicatessen, a small specialty shop where you can purchase a variety of cheeses and European imported items.  We also picked up a few things to bring to the island (Lady Fingers and Mozzarella).  After a brief coffee break we headed to the large outdoor mall where we visted an amazing spice shop, some health food stores and the super market.  I was impressed by the number of health foods available and apparently there is an even bigger store on the other side of town.  They had everything from Agave to a wide variety of Bob's Red Mill items and even Quinoa Pasta!  After the mall we headed to S & R.  It was like walking into Costco of the Philippines...they even had lunch time samples :)

After S & R we parted ways with Tanya and explored the outdoor mall a bit ourselves.  We purchased some gifts for our gracious hosts and had a quick bite to eat.  We then headed back to the apartment to drop off stuff and take a walk to see the sunset over Manila Bay.  It was beautiful!  After sunset we enjoyed one last meal with our new friends before receiving one hour massages in our room.  They cost a whopping $600 php for both of us (about $14 total).  They were just what we needed to wind down before a day of travel to to Mangenguey!

The onions were so small!! Same size as the tomatoes.

Cauliflower, Carrots, Broccoli, Chayote, Tofu and assorted Native Greens

Can you find the sleeping cat?

Fresh Fish

It arrives straight from the fishermen and they continuously dump ice and water over it to keep it cool.

Assorted Dried Fish

Fruits

Farmer's Market Cubao

Sunset over Manila Bay

Kumon spans the globe!!

First Day in Manila

Getting ready for a late afternoon nap after a great first day in Manila.  Started out with breakfast at the apartment:  insanely fresh ripe mangoes, brioche, over easy eggs and french press coffee.  It was all prepared by Madame Rose and enjoyed with our generous host Carlos, a performing artist.  Then on to immigration to get our visas extended which surprisingly only took about 15 minutes and a little paperwork...thanks Ria :)  After immigration Ria took us to meet Carlos and his two dogs at the Baluarte de San Diego in the Intramuros.  We enjoyed a nice walk around the park before heading back to the apartment for lunch.  Rose had prepared an amazing meal!!  It consisted of Adobo, local rice, Molo (a dumpling soup) and Lumpia.  It was absolutely delicious and a great way to start familiarizing ourselves with local ingredients and cuisine.  After lunch Ria directed us to the mall and we filled in the gaps on a few items we needed before heading to the island.  This evening we will be enjoying a traditional Filipino meal and getting the opportunity to meet Helena's daughters for the first time.  We have been taking pictures and videos, just need to do some editing before we post them so hold tight!

Our temporary home in Manila

Sculptures at the Green Belt in Makati

The Green Belt in Makati

We made it to Seoul!!

After a super long flight we finally made it to Asia!  We have a short lay over in Seoul and are then off to Manila :)  Only another 4 hours of exciting plane time, then 2 days in Manila before we head to Mangenguey Saturday afternoon.

This one is for you Davey...doesn't it look delicious?? ;) Chicken and Rice, Salmon Cucumber Salad, Carrots Cake

Time is dwindling...

3 days until we get on the plane and head to Manila!! Got the bags all packed yesterday, enjoyed an amazing evening hosted by Edward J. Gallo and filled with our favorite people :) We will miss you all but are so excited to get the adventure underway!!