Michi Photostory

I was deleting photos on my phone and I saw my Batanes photos so this reminds me to finish this series. It took me a few months to finish the series because it is hard to choose photos and videos, for this South Batan Island tour, I have 644 photos and videos. Waah! Anyway, if you missed my other posts, you can check the link below for Day 1 and Day 2 Batanes Tour.

Day 1: North Batan Island Tour 
Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour


South Batan Island Tour Itinerary 

Chawa Viewdeck
Mahatao Boat Shelter Port
Tayid Lighthouse
San Carlos Church
Homoron Blue Lagoon
Maydangeb White Beach
Ivana Municipality
Old Spanish Bridge
House of Dakay
San Jose De Obrero
Honesty Coffee Shop
Uyugan Municipality
Muchong Viewpoint
Songsong Ruins
Itbud Village
Alapad Natural Rock Formation
Old Naval Station
Imnajbu Village
Racuh A Payaman (Marlboro Country)

I thought that we really need a day to finish the South Batan Island Tour so we started our tour as early as 8:30AM but I was wrong. The list of tourist spots are so long pero hindi naman pala lahat babaan or I guess it depends on the tour guide din. We just passed some of the tourist spots so I only have pictures from afar and we stopped by dun sa mga popular tourist spots. So we were done before 1PM, hindi pa kami nagmadali niyan at 1 hour na nga kami kumain.

So I think, doing compressed North and South Batan Tour is okay. If you have a limited budget or if you have limited time in Batanes, you can do North and South Batan Tour in one day. Based on our experience, we only spent few hours visiting the tourist spots.

For our Day 3, I was worried at first because it started to drizzle on our way to Chawa Viewdeck but we’re thankful because the rain stopped. Yehey! Nakisama naman ang weather up to our last day of tour.

Chawa Viewdeck 


On our way to Ivana Port, I already saw Chawa Viewdeck, Mahatao Boat Shelter Port and lighthouse. I find it beautiful so I was really looking forward to our South Batan Tour so I can see these tourist spots, up close and personal.


Ang ganda talaga sa Chawa viewdeck, you can see the West Batan Cliffs and the West Philippine Sea. Looking at the waves was relaxing but scary at the same time because the waves were strong. And because of the drizzle, we did not go down anymore because the staircase is wet and slippery.

Mahatao Boat Shelter Port 


I was sad because we just passed the Mahatao Boat Shelter Port, gusto ko pa naman bumaba para magtake ng pictures. This port was constructed so in times of typhoon and strong waves, there is a shelter for the boats. I also saw a lighthouse from afar but I don’t know the name of the lighthouse.

San Carlos Borromeo Church 

Next stop is San Carlos Borromeo Church, a church in Mahatao that was built in 1787 and was improved through the years. This is also the place where Katipuneros raised the Katipunan flag on September 19, 1898. It is part of National Cultural Treasure since July 31, 2011.


There is a blank book here where you can write your personal message. Within the area, you can see two old Spanish lamp post that serves as a lighthouse or guide to fishermen.

Homoron Blue Lagoon 


We passed the Huhmoron, Homoron Blue Lagoon or Spanish Lagoon, it is famous because of the blue color of the water but during our visit, hindi siya blue. It is also called Spanish Lagoon because during the Spanish era, only priest or Spaniards are allowed to take a dip or swim here. But of course, now it is open to the public.

Maydangeb White Beach 


We stopped by at Maydangeb White Beach, looking at the beach parang ang sarap na magswimming. But it was cold and we did not go to Batanes to swim, so we have to continue our sightseeing tour.

Old Spanish Tuhel Bridge 



On our way to House of Dakay, we passed by Old Spanish Bridge in Ivana Town, it was built in 1800’s but it is still functional. You can also see other bridges in the area.

House of Dakay 

House of Estrella or popularly known as House of Dakay is the oldest stone house in Batanes. It is one of the stone houses that survived after the September 13, 1918 earthquake (8.3 magnitude). The house is still in its original form except for the cogon roof because it is replaced every 25 to 30 years. The kitchen and comfort room are few steps away from the house. You can also rent a Vakul and Kanayi Vest for P20. Few steps away from House of Dakay is a souvenir shop so you can already buy souvenirs there.

San Jose de Ivana Church 


Then we moved to old Ivana Port, in front of the port is San Jose de Ivana Church. Batanes is a small province but I was really surprised that everywhere we go, there is a church for the Ivatans. It was built in 1787 to serve the people of Ivana, Sabtang, and Uyugan but when Sabtang residents moved back to Sabtang, they closed some parts of the church.

Honesty Coffee Shop 

From the church, we walked to Honesty Coffee Shop. It the famous coffee shop because the store is unmanned. Yes, there is no staff that will assist you. If you want to buy or eat, feel free to serve yourself but don’t forget to pay. There is logbook where you need to list the stuff that you bought and drop your payment at the dropbox. According to our tour guide, palaki ng palaki nga daw bahay ng may-ari ng Coffee Shop because it is indeed the most visited tourist spot in Batanes.


Maybe, even you don’t have to plan to buy something, mapapabili ka just to experience buying something at the Honesty Coffee Shop. It is good to know na nagwork ang Honesty Coffee Shop in Batanes but sad to know na hindi siya nagwork sa mga ibang gumaya like in Metro Manila. Bilang na lang ba ang honest sa Metro Manila?

Muchong Viewpoint 



After exploring Ivana Town, we went to Uyugan Town. Our first stop is Muchong Viewpoint, another rolling hill in Batanes where you can enjoy the seascape.

Ruins of Songsong

We passed by Sitio of Songsong, which is also known as ghost barangay because the area was abandoned after the tsunami hit the town in the year 1954. You can still see the roofless stone houses but some of the ruins are already occupied. People try to restore and maintain the stone house.

Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation 

We stopped by Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation, it is another popular tourist spot because it is where Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta shot their movie “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit”.




You will enjoy the different rock formations here, the two cliffs separated by the road, the Pacific Ocean view. In Batanes, you will always see “Blow UR Horn” sign if you will pass narrow curve cliff, hindi pa uso text lingo may ganung sign na sa Batanes.

Old LORAN (Long Range Naval Station) 


From the Madangay Cliff, you can see the OLD Loran or also known at Little America. It will be reopened as the National Museum.

Lunch at Nanay Ching Restaurant 

It was only quarter to 11AM, but we’re almost finished with our South Batan Tour. Lighthouse and Marlboro Country na lang ang kulang. We had early lunch at Nanay Ching Restaurant. It is park of our tour package, we had nilagang pork, chicken afritada, pork adobo, chopsuey, rice and camote salad. The serving was huge so we took our time eating at mahaba-haba pa oras namin.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes

Marlboro Country 

After one hour, we continued exploring South Batan and off we went to Racuh A Payaman or also known as Marlboro Country. It is a protected area where you can see cows, carabaos, hills, mountain, fields, sky, and sea. It is indeed a picturesque place and sometimes I wonder if this place is really in the Philippines.



Breathtaking Batanes it is, you can see the Tayid lighthouse at the left, Mount Iraya at the right, and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. It was windy so it was hard for me to walk kasi feeling ko liliparin na naman ako. But even though I’m afraid, I try my best to walk so I can enjoy the view too. Kung hindi lang mahangin, we can stay longer here.

Tayid Lighthouse 


Our last stop of the tour is Tayid Lighthouse, it is one of the three functional lighthouses in Batanes that was built in the 2000s. It is hexagonal shape lighthouse that guides the seafarers in the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was closed so we were not able to check the interiors.

Mahatao Wind Turbines 


On our way back to the hotel, we saw the Mahatao Wind Turbines. It is not operational so nakababa lang.

Tawsen Souvenir Shop 

Since we are early, our tour guide dropped us at Tawsen Souvenir Shop so we can buy some souvenirs or pasalubong.

Watch the video here

Dinner at Hudzan’s Cafe & Catering 

We had dinner at Hudzan’s Cafe & Catering, we ordered Buttered Garlic Shrimp, Burger Steak, Crispy Beef Ribs, Rice and Softdrinks. It is part of our tour package so we did not pay anything.

That’s the end of my Batanes series. It is a hassle-free and memorable experience for us. Going to Batanes is not cheap but I have no regrets in visiting this province. I’m happy that I was able to cross this out on my bucket list and I am proud to say that we have this breathtaking place in the Philippines.

We paid P7200 per person for our 3 Days Tour in Batanes, which includes the tour, lunch, and dinner. If you want to save money, you can check my post here. You can also book your tour at Klook.

Read: Where to Stay in Batanes

3 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P5,500
2 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P4,800
North Batan Half Day Tour P1500
Sabtang Island Day Tour from Batan Island P2500
2 Days North Batan and South Batan Tour P3500
South Batan Tour P2000

It is not a secret anymore that I’m a meat lover so Pepper Lunch is one of my go-to restaurants if I want to eat steak. So I was really happy when I saw Pepper Lunch at Southwoods Mall, finally may malapit na rin. We used to eat at Alabang Town Center branch pa kaso. I also tried Shangri la Mall branch when my son celebrated his 8th birthday at EDSA Shangrila Hotel.


Last year, my friends had a get-together so we ate at Pepper Lunch. The restaurant is not that big, parang same sa ATC so pag punuan, sa labas ka na rin ng restaurant. It was a weekday and early lunch kami kaya wala pa tao. As usual, I ordered Shimofuri Pepper Steak P610 for our lunch get-together.


Just this week, we had a get-together again and we had dinner at Pepper Lunch. I always order the Big Rib Eye Steak or Pepper Steak but this time, I tried other meal kasi nagtitipid din ako. Hehehe! I ordered Beef Yakiniku P315, the meal has corn, beef, and plain rice.


The meal is just okay because I find it too sweet for my taste so nauumay ako. I wasn’t able to finish the beef slices kahit ang konti lang naman niya.

Read: Pepper Lunch Solenad Since the first week of June, we’ve been eating a lot of meat because of my son’s graduation, hubby’s birthday, and our staycation at Gina’s Garden and Farm so I told myself na mag seafood diet muna ko. Then two weeks ago, out of the blue, before we sleep, my husband told me that he needs to spend $50 worth of food. 

“First shared in 2019, this post was updated in 2020 to relive every special moment of our KidZania Manila journey.”

Cabalen restaurant has been around since 1974 but the Eat-All-You-Can concept started in 1986. Cabalen which means “a fellow Kapampangan” is a Filipino restaurant which serves Filipino cuisines and authentic Kampapangan dishes like the snails in coconut milk. I heard that some branches also offer other Asian cuisines and they already have a branch in California, USA.

I was already in college when I first tried Cabalen, my experience was just okay so I guess more or less 5 times pa lang ako nakakain dito. It’s been several years ago na rin nung last na kain namin in Alabang Town Center branch. They have very limited buffet spread and when it comes to taste, it is just okay.


I think it was only two years ago when Cabalen started its operation in SM Sta Rosa. At last, may nadagdag na naman na buffet restaurant sa probinsiya. Just this week, my father-in-law celebrated his birthday so my husband suggested dinner at Cabalen so off we went to SM Sta Rosa. We are a group of 14 persons and we don’t have a reservation, good thing they were able to accommodate us. Siguro dahil weekday, hindi naman punuan.

The staff informed us about the 2 hours buffet limit, since hindi pa kami complete we waited outside the restaurant. But after a few minutes, the staff asked us kung nasaan na ba kasama namin and we said papunta pa lang. She said, we can go inside and start eating already so finally we can eat dinner around 6:30PM.

They have 50+ dishes, there are appetizers, soups, salads, grilled dishes, main dishes, and desserts. My favorite here is the ginataang langka, namiss ko tuloy yung luto ng lola ko na mga ginataan. I hope they can improve the taste of the Lechon (na mukhang lechon kawali), it is too salty.







The buffet spread may not be amazing but it is still a good meal, for P367.36 you can already have a buffet. Marami ka na makakain, mas mura and mas marami pa yan compared sa buffet meal namin sa Palm Beach Resort and sa isang order ko ng Pasta sa Cafe Mary Grace. You can treat your family or friends without breaking the bank. 

Watch the video here

They have a birthday promo of 5 + 1 pero hindi rin namin siya nakuha kasi when I checked the bill, same lang yung number or persons sa nabayaran namin. Lesson learned, always double check your bill before paying. We paid, 12 adults and 1 Kid (+1 Baby Free), dapat 11 adults and 1 kid (Free birthday celebrant and Free baby). Sayang din ang P367.36. hehehe!

Unlike other buffet restaurants, wala sila pakulo sa mga birthday celebrant except sa FREE ang buffet. So it is better to bring your own cake and kayo na rin magdecide kung anong oras ang pagblow ng candle.

Read: Dinner at La Fiesta: A Taste of Filipino 

Cabalen Buffet Rate 
Kids 4ft above and Adult - 328 + VAT = P367.36
Kids 4ft below - 50% + VAT = P183.68

Cabalen SM Sta Rosa 
SM City Santa Rosa,
Manila S Rd, Santa Rosa, Laguna

When I started working, Makati Medical Center is my go-to hospital if I need check-up or laboratory, para hindi na ko lalayo pa. After work, I just walked to the hospital before going home. Things changed when I resigned from my work and moved to South Luzon area. It took me almost a decade before going back to this hospital.

We frequent Makati Medical Center since last year because of my in-law’s confinement. I was surprised when I saw Makati Medical Center, ang laki na ng pinagbago niya. There are so many restaurants and food stalls where you can eat, drink or even buy take-outs or pasalubong if may dadalawin din kayo sa hospital. Parang St. Lukes BGC din pala siya na madami restaurants and ang problem mo lang is budget kung dito ka lagi kakain.

Read: St Lukes BGC Restaurants

Makati Medical Center Restaurants

Ground Floor

Cafe France
Dairy Queen
Cafe Mary Grace
Pizza Hut
Seattle’s Best

First Floor 

Burger King
Floating Island Restaurant
Krispy Kreme
Lavazza and Bakeshop

Second Floor 

Tapa King
Mini Stop

Third Floor 

Buco Loco
Go Salad
Dimsum ‘n Dumplings
Fruitas
Lulu Belle
Pancake House
Kitchen City Express
Country Style
El Nacho
Potato Corner
Turks
Wendy’s

Just this week, we went back to Makati Medical Center for my laboratory test. I need to undergo some test and unfortunately, wala siya sa probinsiya so we searched kung saan may ganoong test and Makati Medical Center is one of the choices.

We liked the service of Makati Medical Center, parang asikasong-asikaso ka talaga from the time you enter and until you leave the hospital. Nacocompare ko siya nung naoperahan si hubby sa St Lukes BGC, parang hindi naman ganun ang service. I’m not saying na hindi okay service sa St Lukes BGC kasi good naman experience namin, pero sobrang alaga nga lang sa Makati Med. You can settle your bills inside your room, hinahatid ka hanggang sakayan and pati pillows nga pinauuwi sayo.

Anyway, we were in the hospital as early as 7:30AM and I waited for 8AM so I can get approval from my HMO. But I was advised that I need to schedule my ultrasound first before they can process it. Ganun pala dito, in other hospitals kasi approval muna bago nila i-schedule or gagawin.

So I went to the laboratory to make an appointment, I don’t have a record yet so I have to register. At first, they are giving me next day schedule but I asked them if they can give me slot today and the staff asked me kung nakafasting na ba ko? And I said “Yes”. Fortunately, she gave me an 11AM slot, so more or less three hours of fasting pa.

Burger King

Imagine, hindi pa ko pwede kumain tapos ang mga nakapaligid sa akin puro kainan but I have no choice, ayaw ko na bumalik pa. So while waiting I went to Burger King to buy some snacks for my two boys. Nakikiamoy na lang ko ng food, pero at least pwede ako uminom ng water. In some test kasi pati water bawal uminom.

Floating Island Restaurant

After 3 hours of waiting, my labtest is done and I can finally eat. We had lunch at Floating Island Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant inside Makati Medical Center. Upon seated, they immediately gave us the menu, they have a lot of choices so I just looked for the Menu of the Day that I’ve seen outside. Meron dun blackboard where you can see the “Menu of the Day”.




We ordered Bangus Belly with Ampalaya over Rice P185+, Pininyahang Manok sa Gata over Rice P185+ and Pork BBQ with Garlic Fried Rice P195+. Food taste is good, each serving is more than enough to fill your stomach. Service is fast and good too.

We all know that health is wealth and we always hear these three words. But after what happened last year, it made me realized that health is indeed wealth. It is very significant to give importance to our health because it can deplete your wealth. No matter how much you save for the future, that money may not be enough to pay for the hospital bills, treatment, therapy, medicine, and other medical expenses. 

And because of that health scare, last quarter of the year we spent most of our time in the hospital and clinic for a check-up, lab test, and therapy. I was so paranoid about my health and for my husband’s health. Cancer runs in my husband’s family, 9 years ago my sister-in-law lost her battle with colon cancer and last year, two of my in-laws were diagnosed with cancer. It was hard to accept but life must go on and we’re praying for healing and provision.

I wanted my husband to try colonoscopy because prevention is better than cure but he was hesitant because of the price of the colonoscopy. While I was browsing Deal Grocer site, I saw the Colon Cleanse promo of Centro Holistico so I told my husband about it. He watched some videos about Colon Cleansing and parang nagdalawang isip pa lalo. But after few days, pumayag din so I bought One Session of Colon Cleanse P1375, the regular rate is P2000. There are two branches, one in Pasig and one in Alabang and I chose the latter.

It’s been years since the last time I bought a voucher from Deal Grocer so I was surprised when I learned that I can pay via Paypal. I think yung huli kong bili, credit card payment and USD pa yung currency nila. I bought Crosswinds Resort Suites and Nurture Wellness Village voucher before.

To give you an idea, let me share the description of Colon Cleanse from Deal Grocer 

1. Toxins in the body could be the cause when you’re feeling bloated and fatigued. You can flush them out effectively with this all-natural treatment.
2. Colon cleanse is also called the “ultimate detox treatment”, it will rid your body toxins, harmful chemicals, and buildup in the colon. It uses an organic solution of Barako coffee to aid in the process.
3. The mixture triggers the liver to produce enzymes like glutathione to target free radicals and speed along the detoxification. It also helps lower inflammation, prevent constipation, prevent reabsorption of toxins, and reboot gut.
4.Added benefits such as weight loss, an improved immune system and radiant skin due to the increased production of glutathione. It is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The voucher is redeemable from Monday to Saturdays only, from October 29, 2018 to January 2019 but not valid from December 23, 2018 to January 2, 2019. So after our Batanes trip, my husband called Centro Holistico to reserve and ang available na lang is last week of January. Buti, umabot pa bago mag-expire so it is better to use your voucher immediately.


Fast forward to my husband’s Colon Cleanse Session, off we went to Centro Holistico at Commercenter Alabang. It was only 11:30AM and 1PM pa yung appointment so my husband just showed his voucher and ID and nag-ikot-ikot muna kami. After one hour, we went back to the clinic and the staff gave him a form.



1. Fill out the form
2. The staff check his blood pressure and weight
3. After that, the staff called my husband for an interview daw. The doctor will verify the information that you’ve written in the form and also asked about the medical history.

My son and I waited for him pero nung 1PM na at hindi na lumabas, we went out the clinic na and we had lunch at The Farm Organics.

According to my husband, there is a private room for the colon cleanse. You have to change your clothes, the nurse will explain the procedure and the colon cleanse session will take more or less 60 minutes. About 5 gallons of water are flushed through your colon using a tube that was inserted into your rectum. I don’t want to overshare but my husband told me, medyo nakakailang din kasi minamassage yung tummy niya nung nurse during the procedure and nandun lang talaga hanggang matapos. After the session, they gave him tea. My husband felt, lumiit daw tiyan niya. Sana nga daw, nagsukat siya ng before and after.




There are pros and cons about this treatment and I’m still thinking if I will buy this every year and I’m contemplating kung ita-try ko din ba. hehehe! I hope may promo ulit sa Deal Grocer. Have your tried colon cleansing?

Centro Holistico
2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Ave. , cor.
Filinvest Ave., Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 828 8863, (0917) 581 2990
Mondays to Fridays, 10AM - 7PM; Saturdays, 11AM - 7PM