Geejay Travel log meets IJuander of GMA News TV

Weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from a Program Researcher of GMA News TV. I really didn't expect that I'd be able to get a call from a TV network that big and inviting me to join them in an escapade. IJuander is a tv program here in the Philippines which features/tackles wide range of topics that deals about Filipinos' culture, history, beliefs and the country. It is hosted by GMA's veteran news reporters Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario.

And since summer is fast approaching, the show looked for an amateur travel blogger to be featured on their next episode which is about discovering hidden paradise near the metro. Travelers and non travelers who are looking for a place to spend their holidays and summer will surely love the episode. The IJuander team and I went on an expedition somewhere in Laguna. The place we went to offers a combination of great landscape, adventure and water activities for those who'll be visiting it. And together with La Churva (segment hosts of IJuander), you'll surely enjoy your viewing not only because of the place but also because of their new acts!

I just feel so bless because they picked me and was able to experience working with those people. It was definitely a new experience to remember! So please... please don't miss this week's episode of IJuander. The episode will be aired this coming Wednesday (April 1, 2015) from 8pm-9pm, only on GMA News TV (Channel 11).

[04/02/2015 Update] For those who weren't able to watch IJuander, you may watch last night's episode with the videos below:

Part I:

Part II:

Gardenia Plant Tour at Binan, Laguna

Here in the Philippines, when you ask for a brand of high quality and premier tasting breads popular answer would be Gardenia breads. Reasons of its popularity are 1) of its "Grate Tastes". It is so good that you can eat and enjoy it even without looking for a spread/stuffing. 2) of its "Softness". You may roll it or fold it anyway you want and your bread are assured that it will not break into pieces which is a proof of its freshness. 3) of its "Aroma". Gardenia breads have this tempting fresh-from-the-oven-aroma that pumps up your appetite. With all those pointers, I must confess that my whole family is really a fan of Gardenia. That's why I am truly thankful when a fellow blogger, Alice, invited me to join an event (headed by Ms. Grace Nicolas) on having a visit and tour inside the Gardenia plant.

How to get there?
Gardenia's plant is located in Laguna International Industrial Park (LIIP), Mamplasan, Binan, Laguna. The plant tour is free and can be book by visiting Gardenia's website at www.gardenia.com.ph. Just download and answer the booking form. You may also call them at (02) 845 0971 and (049) 539 1136 to 40. Tour hours are from 7:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday and Sunday. Gardenia's plant in Cebu also allows tours. You may reach them thru this hotline: (032) 341 2895.

Let the tour begin!

As our group reach the plant, we were welcomed by with smiles from the employees of Gardenia. Everyone was excited with the tour. I even felt like I was traveled back on my elementary days where I used to attend field trips. We were first directed to the registration area and got our plant ID's with our names on it. We were then escorted on one of their rooms where the first part of the tour will be conducted.

Getting our IDs :)

Can you name all these Gardenia products?

The first part of the tour was headed by Mr. Jun Umali (Gardenia PH's President & General Manager). He gave us an informative talk about the company. Mainly about the history of Gardenia like how did they started, how are they doing now, and how did they manage to be on top in the baking industry.He also talks about how important to them the nutrition of their consumers and how important is sanitation to this industry. He even pointed out so many times that they have the most modern bread factory in the country that they're proud to say that they are "baking breads untouched by human hands". Amazing, right?

Mr. Umali even share some pointers on how they maintain or how we can prolong the freshness of our breads:

• Air dries out the bread. So, after we get our needed slice/s, it is recommended to re-seal again the pack.
• If possible, save the top slice of the loaf and use it as a cover of the remaining loaf.
• Keep the bread out of hot areas because it may cause the bread to moisten which may lead to premature molding. Store your bread in a cool and dry place.
• He even recommends to put it inside the refrigerator. Then if you are planning to eat it, just reheat in toaster the slices you needed. 
• Keep it away from items that emit odors because breads absorb odors.
• Make sure that your hands are clean. Bacteria can also cause premature molding.
• Lastly, he advised that if possible, consume your bread immediately :] 

But what caught my attention on his talk was when he discussed how they make sure that we, consumers, get the fresh bread possible and how Gardenia reaching out to help our society. Gardenia breads freshness can last up to 14 days but they only indicate on the G-lock (Gardenia's seal/loaf seal) 7 days for best before days. They also pull out their breads on their respective re-sellers every 2-days, replacing it with new ones. Yes, they did not wait until the bread reach its 7th day before they replace it. I know what you're thinking. Waste? No. The pull out breads (which we can still consider quality breads) are being sold to fishermen. These are made into food for cultured fishes (like bangus, tilapia, etc). Poultry owners also buy these breads to feed on their pigs and chickens. Lucky animals huh?

Not only that, Gardenia also support charities here and there where they donate thousands of breads on these organizations. I'm not sure if they give newly bake ones or the pulled out breads. But hey, its just a 2-day old breads and considered edible so it's not a big deal if they feed it also to people. They even encouraged us that if we are looking for sponsorship for charity work and alike, we may contact them for collaboration. Nice!

Mr. Umali giving his talk

Selfie with Mr. Jun Umali

I think I've written too much already. Let's now move forward to the actual tour. Are you ready? Just keep that mouse ball rolling and enjoy your virtual tour on a state-of-the-art-plant that produces 650,000 loaves and buns everyday!

1) Giant Silo. It is where the production starts. These towering silos are used to store raw materials used in baking. These are stainless steels and being manage by computerized systems.

2) Hi-Tech Automation. This part of the plant features their fully automated and computer-controlled system for bread making production. Some of these are used for handling the mixing, proofing, baking, and slicing. All of the said actions are again handled by machines. There are few people in the area but they're only needed once the machine fail. If not, then they can just roam around the area and check other things out. Like what I said above: Gardenia is baking breads untouched by human hands.

Start of the tour in the production area

Machine that ensures Gardenia breads are equal in weight

All dough are set!

3). Fresh from the Oven. You'll see breads coming out of these ovens which extract irresistible aroma all over the the production area. Even in our place which is covered by glass and kilometers away, we can still smell that out-of-the-oven-aroma.

Bread's aroma starts here

4) Twin Spiral Cooling Towers. This is my favorite part of the tour on the production area. You'll see two towers surrounded by thousands of breads. According to the tour facilitator, each tower holds 3,000 breads. The main purpose of this moving conveyor is to cool-off the loaves.

Amazing part of the tour

That tower holds 3,000 Gardenia Classic Breads!!!

5) High-Speed Bagging. Yes that's right, even the packaging/bagging part of the loaf is machine operated. Same goes on sealing the bread. Sealing it with G-lock is also being done by machines. Tip: “G-Locks” help customers know when did the bread was baked and packed and it is color coded:

• Tan – Monday
• Orange – Tuesday
• Yellow – Wednesday
• Blue – Thursday
• Green – Friday
• Red – Saturday
• White – Sunday

Using the guide above, if you're buying a Gardenia bread on a Wednesday it is strongly suggested that you look for Yellow, Orange or Tan G-locked breads. Got it? Now, aside from expiration date, we should also check the color of G-locks before buying Gardenia bread. 

We're almost done with the tour

Bagging and sealing of bread

People only touches the bread to put it on their storage area. 

The storage area. Soon be delivered to our houses!

The High-Speed Bagging area is the last part of the production tour but the fun never stops there. Upon reaching the end of this tour, you'll also be heading at the back door where there are standees for photo-op! I really love how'd they make the 3D bread production standee.

That's a 3D wallpaper/standee

This is how it looks like from a far...

More standees!

Before we bid our goodbyes and end our tour, Gardenia still impressed us by preparing a buffet style snacks made of Gardenia products (prepared in a creative and re-inventive ways)!

Yes, these are all made using gardenia bread

Click here to learn how to do these

Desserts still using Gardenia products

Thank you Gardenia PH for the very informative and wonderful tour

So what are you waiting for? Book now a tour at the most modern bread factory in the country. Learn about how they made their best quality breads and also know the importance of proper nutrition and sanitation practices. It is really recommendable for school field trips and alike.

This is a sponsored post. I accept partnership proposals as long as they are relevant to travel, outdoors, food and tourism. For advertising inquiries, please use the contact form on the Contact Me page of this site or directly send me an e-mail at aremgelogo@gmail.com. 

Mt Romelo - Buruwisan Falls, Batya Batya Falls and Sampaloc Falls

Mt. Romelo is a popular destination for newbie mountaineers. Situated in Siniloan, Laguna and stands at 300 MASL, Mt. Romelo is considered to be a minor climb. It is also rated 2/9 in terms of its difficulty by Pinoy Mountaineer. But despite the given specs, Mt. Romelo is known for having muddy trails on both sunny and specially during rainy seasons. Therefore, extreme precautions must always be observed upon hiking. Some also mistaken called this as Mt. "Famy". A name of a town adjacent to Siniloan.

This mountain is not just about trekking and reaching the summit as it also houses beautiful and hidden falls. Waterfalls like Batya-Batya Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Buruwisan Falls, and Lanzones Falls are found in the forest of Mt. Romelo and most of them are located near the campsite. Having said that, Mt Romelo are hiked all year-round. Trekking on summer is ideal because the trails are less muddy but to be able to see the full water size of the falls, trekking on rainy season is advised.

How to get there?
You may take a bus at Raymond Bus Line bound to Infanta, Quezon. This is the only bus line that passes right thru the jump-off of Mt. Romelo from Manila. Just tell the bus conductor that you'll be heading at Mt. Romelo and to drop you off at Trois Restaurant in Siniloan. Near Trois Restaurant is the jump off point to Mt. Romelo. By the way, Raymond Bus Line terminal is situated at Sampaloc, Manila. Fare going to Siniloan is about 130 pesos.

After we registered and logged our names which costs us 50 pesos per head, our adventure to Mt. Romelo starts! Trail going to the peak starts with crossing a stream of river. From that moment, I knew that our trek will be slippery and muddy at the same time.

Start of our trek

I found the trail going to the peak of Mt Romelo as beginners-friendly. 1) There were resting site scattered evenly along the way with long log that serves as chairs for trekkers, 2) vendors [of buko juice and sodas] are visible until almost half of the trek, 3) shades are also available for most of the part and 4) lastly, it has lesser steep trails compared to other mountains I've been through.

Shady part of the trail

Smile guys!

One of the store you'll encounter at Mt. Romelo

The view is also superb. There is a spot at Mt. Romelo wherein we stopped for a couple of minutes to enjoy a 360 view while fresh air touches our skins and blowing our hair. During the stop, we also have some group shots and not to forget, "selfies".

Though we only stopped for about 5 or 10 minutes, it was really refreshing and energizing. We went back again on trekking and rushed because we want to be in campsite before the sun goes down.

Group photo op

Random citizen in Mt Romelo

After 2 hours of walking/trekking, we finally reached the campsite. I must say that the site is pretty big and can accommodate several groups. There are available nipa huts that can be rented which is ideal for night campers (but I don't know how much they cost). But for us, we have our tents. We miss sleeping in tents despite the uneven floor from stones and roots. So after pitching our tents, we prepared and eat our dinner, had some socials, swim a bit in the river, then we all took a rest.

Rest and chat time...

Batya Batya Falls, Sampaloc Falls, and Buruwisan Falls

We started our second day having a goal of exploring all the waterfalls in Mt. Romelo. However we failed to accomplish that goal. There are seven waterfalls known and have been explored in the area, namely: Buruwisan Falls, Lansones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Batya-Batya Falls, Old Buruwisan Falls, Twin Falls, and Sapang Labo Falls. Among the stated waterfalls we were able to visit only three. Aw.

Just experimenting...

First off is Batya Batya Falls. Batya Batya Falls which means "small tub" or "basin" is located in the northern part of the campsite and approximately a kilometer away. Reaching Batya Batya Falls is quiet hard especially when you have gadgets with you. I suggest you put them on a dry bag or waterproof case before visiting Batya Batya Falls. Why? Because in order to reach the falls, you'll be wading along shoulder-deep to neck-dip water. I even had to carry my camera and tripod high up as I swim across to reach land again.

Reaching the site of Batya Batya Falls

Batya Batya Falls is a two-level waterfall. You'll be swimming at 18 ft. deep water in order to reach the other side and see its second level. This time I didn't brought my camera. Leaving my camera was a mistake because Sampaloc Falls is just right above Batya Batya Falls. Shame. Having said that, I didn't have any photo of Sampaloc Falls. Sampaloc Falls has its own cascading beauty and a decent-sized catch-basin.

Last is Buruwisan Falls. Buruwisan Falls is just located below the campsite. This is the biggest and tallest waterfall in Mt Romelo. It is approximately 180 ft tall and characterized with large catch-basin. Rappelling is one of the many things that can be done in Buruwisan Falls. Don't resist yourself from diving into the water because you'll just going to fail. With clear and wide catch-basin, it is really hard not to go for a swim in Buruwisan Falls.

Presenting... Buruwisan Falls

We wanted to visit the other falls unfortunately, we don't have enough time. We enjoyed and stayed too much  in the 3 waterfalls stated above. We miscalculated our time and we need to leave in order to reach Manila before nightfall. I guess this is not the last time I'll be seeing Mt. Romelo...

... So I guess this is just the first part of my write up on Mt. Romelo and it is decent to say, "Till we meet again".

Taytay Falls [or Imelda Falls] of Majayjay, Laguna

Three names yet referring to one beautiful spot in Laguna. That's how I recall this waterfall...

Taytay Falls is a two-story high waterfall which others call it as the Majayjay Falls and even the Imelda Falls. The reason why it has so many names is because of its rich background. Its famous name is actually Taytay Falls but since it is located at Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, people has started calling it Majayjay Falls. Another story is, it got its other name (which is Imelda Falls) from the First Lady of the late Ferdinand Marcos named Imelda Marcos, as she financed the promotion of tourism in this place and because of this, there was a time where the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls. With those stories, I hope I eliminated the confusion when I use these 3 different names to refer the place for this post.

Off to Majayjay Falls!

How to get there?
Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna at Buendia (Gil Puyat - LRT) bus terminal. Fare is around 150 - 160 pesos. Notify the bus conductor that you are heading to Taytay Falls and to drop you off at the terminal where jeepneys going to Majayjay are located. Afterwards, take one of those jeepneys that bound to Majayjay which costs for about 40 pesos. Then from Majayjay proper, take a direct trip to Taytay/Brgy. Gagalot where you'll be needing to register first at the Barangay Hall before you can proceed to the location of the falls. Jeepney fare is 16 pesos and registration/entrance fee is 35 pesos per head. It was approximately 3-4 hours of travel time from Manila to Majayjay.

As soon as we finished paying our fees at the barangay hall, we started trekking all the way down to Taytay Falls. You need to walk for about 10-15 minutes in order to reach its location. Don't worry because you'll be breathing in and out fresh air since the way to Taytay Falls is surrounded with plants and trees. I can say that it is almost like a forest but with a concrete path way for the visitors to walk in.

All were excited as the splashes of falling water gets louder and louder

Upon reaching the Taytay Falls, every one of us got excited and astounded with the beauty of this waterfall. It is tall, wide and beautifully surrounded with nature on the side. Not to mention how clear the water running on Taytay Falls. Perhaps this is the clearest and cleanest waterfall I've been through. We could all say that the long travel was really worth it.

Presenting... the Taytay Falls [aka Majayjay Falls/Imelda Falls]

Water that came all the way from Mt Banahaw

After we found a spot where we can settle and put our things into safety, its time to dive on that water. Wait! I have to warn you that Taytay Falls water is cold... i mean very cold... what i really mean is, it is freezing cold,  like icy cold. To prove this, we even put our bottled drinks into the water to make it cold and it was effective. It was like a big refrigerator. Well, we just put stones around our drinks so that it wouldn't flown away down to the river. All I can say is, although the water is freezing cold, it is also refreshing. It didn't stop us from diving on it.

Photo op before the actual swimming

Its not cold [Mind over matter]... oh well, its not working because it is really cold

We pause from swimming to have our lunch and it was great. We are all hungry and all our canned goods tasted like lechon of Cebu. I guess that was because of the long travel we've been through. This adventure releases all our stress. It was nice to take a break away from the pollution of the city.

The best! Eating after diving into the waterfall

Tents are the only means of lodging in Taytay Falls. Expect no services like electricity and phone coverage. There are toilets and bathrooms available but don't expect too much. There were lots of campers the day we visited Taytay Falls. I can't blame them. If only this place is near my place, I'll definitely camp here most of my nights and drink out with a bonfire. Too bad we only planned for a day visit. I didn't experience an overnight. I bet it will be colder than during the day... feels like a fully air conditioned room at its maximum.

Down stream part of Majayjay Falls

Well, that's the end of our adventure. We departed at around 4:00 PM to go back to Manila. I hope the local community authority continues on enforcing strict rules on waste management in the area. In that way, the beauty of this waterfall will be remain and preserve for the future generations.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus ride (Buendia - Sta Cruz) - 160.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Sta Cruz - Majayjay) - 40.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Majayjay - Taytay) - 16.00 PhP
Registration Fee - 35.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Taytay - Bus terminal) - 50.00 PhP
Bus ride (Bus terminal - Manila) - 170.00 PhP
Food - **.**

Isdaan Floating Restaurant of Calauan, Laguna

A place that took the definition of restaurant to a whole new level. A floating restaurant that take customers into a different world. That's how I define Isdaan Floating Restaurant of Calauan, Laguna. Though Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a Thailand inspired place, with all those larger than life statues of Buddhas, little monks and mermaids, they still managed to incorporate a touch of Filipino culture through their food. Yup, they serve appetizing Filipino food here. By the way, another site of Isdaan is located in the northern part of Luzon - Gerona, Tarlac. They have the same vibe so it will be just a matter of how close you are on these two sites in terms of deciding on which branch you're going to pick and visit.

How to get there?
Take a bus located at Buendia LRT Station with a signage of "Sta. Cruz", Laguna. It is approximately 2-hour drive away from Manila.Going to Isdaan is easy. The place is just along the highway and it's hard to miss because of the towering statues of Mermaid Buddhas located in the entrance/parking area of Isdaan Floating Restaurant.. But just to be sure, inform the bus conductor to drop you at Isdaan. Fare is 85 pesos.

Entrance to Isdaan Floating Restaurant

Yup, this is their parking area

Isdaan is owned and operated by the Barrio Fiesta group of restaurants. Therefore, never doubt the taste of the food being served here. And so I decided that this blog entry will be more on the side of travelling rather than a food blog...

As we reach Isdaan Floating Restaurant, my initial reaction was astounded. I can't help myself as my eyes went wide because of amusement on the beauty of this restaurant. I have already saw this place in the internet and photos but still, I was blown away of its architectural design as well as how artistic this place was built and constructed. Kudos to the owner!

We're still in the Philippines :]

Actually, me and my girlfriend felt like we were foreign tourists in land of Thailand during our stay in Isdaan. Mermaid Buddhas were everywhere in Isdaan and they're more than life-sized statues. In addition to this are the bamboo pathways and cottages which adds flavor and makes Isdaan more to be like ancient Thailand.

This place is remarkable

Happy couple! Cheers!

We were then directed to our cottage. We've given a small but cute nipa hut that can accommodate up to 4 persons but since we were only 2 on this trip it was more than enough for us. Then the waiter hand over us their menu... a long list of menu. It was as long as 3 sheets of long bond paper and it is written back to back containing their list of foods. We had a hard time picking what food to eat because there were a bunch to choose from. I also noticed that their target clients are family and groupies because their servings come in bundles or in kilos.

Heading to our cottage... It looks like the one in the background

Sinigang na Hipon and Iced tea with Gumamela flower on the side

We ordered 1 kilo of Sinigang na Hipon (Sugpo, actually), 1/2 kilo of Inihaw na Tilapia, 1 kaldero of kanin (good for 2-3 persons), and 1 pitcher of iced tea. Imagine how full we are after we ate all of it. *laugh

They serve the rice here along with the "kaldero"

After that blockbuster lunch, we started to explore the whole vicinity of Isdaan Floating Restaurant. It is pretty big and has a total land area of 56.6 square kilometers. We were blessed because it was a shady afternoon when we visited Isdaan. The weather is just fine for taking photos, not too sunny neither dark.

Very detailed...

One of the highlight of this place is the entrance as you come inside the place. You will be walking in between tall statues. This give visitors a feel like they're not in the Philippines anymore. Under your feet is a pond because you are also walking above a bamboo trail since this is a floating restaurant. The whole place is a large fish pond. One can do fishing in which they can ask the staff of Isdaan to cook their catches.

It is still expanding so we can expect more on this place in the following years

Aside from the very South East Asian vibe of the place, it has an impressive Fiesta atmosphere which is very Filipino in a sense. There are bands that serenade each nipa hut, performers and actors that performs acrobatic stunts and other extra ordinary talents. It is a happy place. Everyone will definitely have a good time when they visit Isdaan Floating Restaurant.

Bring the whole family...

... Also the one you love.

Isdaan didn't forget the interest of the kids. Bikes and trolleys for children are available which can be rented. They also installed statues of cartoon characters, animals and other personalities that will surely loved by kids and kids alike (like me and my girlfriend). These include angry birds, Batman, Pres. Barack and a lot more.

Wazzup Kiddo?!

Slave by your love Baby ko! Lol 

Aside from the photo above, simply refer on the photos below to see how playful and crazy we are in this trip. We're like children in this themed park/restaurant.

May this love be blessed... 

Evolution of man.. 

What are you looking at bro?

I'm happy when she's happy (but I envy that lil monk!)

Just having a good time!

Just like the water... I wish time freezes when I'm with her (baduy ko na!)

Cheated by your boyfriend/girlfriend? Have you been a victim of rubbery? Stressed out with your bosses? Discovered a dark secret? Been fooled by a scam? If your answer is yes then there is a place for you in Isdaan that can lessen your anger and stress. There's a famous wall in Isdaan that is called Tacsiyapo. It is an open area and at the end point lies a wall with written words. Words that refer to someone we found annoying in one's life. The key here is to buy a ceramic cup, plates, wall clocks and even a working television at the station then throw or smash them into the wall while targeting the words you are angry with. An ideal place for people who are walking timebombs. Time to release all those pains and anger! Price of items that you can throw into the wall ranges from 20 pesos (cups) up to 2,000 pesos (television).

Target Locked!

I want to throw that television that day. Too bad I don't have enough money!

There are also gigantic Buddhas and a gorilla in this area. This is a place where people will be amazed how great Filipinos are in creating this kind of sculptures. Even I, I couldn't imagine that there is an existing place like this and can be found in Laguna. This is one spot that people should not miss when visiting Laguna. It will not only satisfy your tummy with their food but also your eyes with all those larger than life statues.

I think this is the biggest display in Isdaan...

People behind the beautification of Isdaan

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus (Pasay Terminal - Isdaan Floating Restaurant) - 85.00 PhP
Bus (Isdaan Floating Restaurant - Magallanes | Mantrade) - 107.00 PhP
Sinigang na Hipon (1 kilo) - 483.00 PhP
Inihaw na Tilapia (1/2 kilo) - 176.00 PhP
Bagong Saing (rice) - 110.00 PhP
Pitcher of Iced Tea - 204.00 PhP