Apartelle de Andrea/ Viajera Dine and Cafe Koronadal

VIAJERA CAFÉ and RESTAURANT / APARTELLE de Andrea

Fresh from our Zipline activity in Lake Sebu, we headed straight to Koronadal City. Since it is my first time to spend a night in the capital of South Cotabato, I really had no idead where to go. So I didn’t expect anything at all.

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Later, we found ourselves checking in at Apartel de Andrea, a relatively new hotel facility in Koronadal. Upon arrival we were greeted with the sweet – sounding “Maayong Gab-i”. a greeting in the Hiligaynon language. For once, I immediately felt at home. Being a Hiligaynon speaker myself i find it comfortable to communicate with the Hotel staff, (Later i discovered that their F&B manager is also a Bacoleño)

Apartel de Andrea opened only this year. The room is complete with the basic stuff you need in a hotel room. Cool A/C cable TV flat Screen TV unit good WiFi connection hot and cold shower. Comfy bed and pillows. Although it is located beside the highway the noise of the passing vehicles are barely noticeable.

It was past 9PM when i felt the hunger pangs starting to make its presence felt. So I decided to visit the Viajera Restaurant. Viajera was the first to open. Later they only added the rooms for the Apartel. Viajera restaurant is actually an old house converted into a dining place. The second floor has a T’boli themed area complete with all the Tboli garments accessories and other stuff.

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I decided to have coffee just before calling it a night. I checked the menu. After scouring the items off the menu I ended up ordering Ginger Lemon Tea Pumpkin soup and crispy fried noodles.

What was supposed to be just a cup of coffee ended up in a feast!

The crispy noodles is good. The veggies were freshly cooked. Poured hot over the noodles. Its not greasy, nor too salty. It has lots of veggies too. I asked the wait staff and he told me that all of the veggies are locally sourced and the shrimps either from the nearby GenSan or Davao.

Crispy Fried noodles
Crispy Fried noodles

He knows what he is talking about. And i Love it to bits!

Our accommodation already has a complimentary breakfast. I opted for the traditional daing na bangus, fried rice and sunny side up, cooked malasado-style. I always love to pour the yolk over my rice.

And to complete the whole breakfast ensemble i had brewed native coffee harvested from the Highlands of Polomolok.

Ahhh I was surprised. “may kape din pala sa Polomolok! Akala ko pinya lang meron dun”
At first I thought their coffee came from Sultan Kudarat. A nearby provides known as thr Philippines’ top producer of coffee beans.
Forget Batangas. Forget Alfonso Cavite. The real deal is in Sultan Kudarat!

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People close to me would know how much struggle I make just to make the no-rice diet work.

But with a perfectly marinated daing na bangus with sunny side up and the tempting aroma of Polomolok coffee, who am I to say no ro rice? Haha

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And just before check out of the hotel, I had my lunch at Viajera. After a food experience with them during breakfast, more or less I already know what to expect. The bar has been set so high. For lunch I ordered the lengua and a concoction of lemongrass and passion fruit juice.

Again, they really know how to tickle my senses. The lemongrass /passion fruit juice is so good! It must have been a perfect summer cooler or hotel welcome drink! Very refreshing. Its not too sweet.

The lengua is a manna from heaven. To say that it is perfectly cooked is truly an understatement. The ox tongue is slow cooked under cotton-y soft and tender. The sauce is not very oily. Hindi nakakaumay.

Most foods I ordered (except for pumpkin soup) is already good for sharing. The lengua is good for 2-3pax. But guess what i almost finished them all!

T'boli themed dining area
T’boli themed dining area

All in all Viajera Dine and Cafe is a highly – recommended must try resto in Koronadal!

FOOD 5/5
SERVICE 5/5
ROOM 3/3

Postscript : I hope they would also place rubber mat on the floor tiles as it gets very very slippery when wet. In fact i accidentally slid off the floor and hit my head on the wall. Good thing it’s not serious.

Halal Goodness: The Flavors of Eid’l Fitr (part2)

it was the feast of Eid’l Fitr. Early morning i can see women fully clothed in traditional Muslim wear silently walks along the hotel corridor. Later I learned that an early morning prayer was held just beside the hotel premises.
Careful not to disrupt to ceremonies, i took some snapshots before I had my breakfast.

1

I decided not to join the rest of the media team who went to the Grand Mosque at 4AM. It was too early for me.
Later we headed to the house of Cotabato city Administrator to partake of the Eid’l Fitr feast. It was an open house. And literally anybody can just get inside the house and eat.

2

After sharing the feast we went on a rolling tlur were we vot a glimpse of the old Cotabato Provincial Capitol and the cave bshind it. From there ournext destination is probably the highlight of ang tripto Cotabato: our visit to the Sultan Haji Hassanal BolkiahMsjid or more popularly known by its common name : the Grand Mosque.
The grand mosque has become the iconic symbol of Cotabato. It has also become the center of Islamic worship for many Musli.ms living in the City.

3

Of course I grabbed the chance to take a few snaps of the famed golden dome and its towering minarets. I also had my selfie taken at the mosque as well as a souvenir.
From the mosque wewent back to the ARMM Complex to partake of Pagana lunch from the Iranun Village. We were then served with traditional Iranun dishes specially prepared for the occasion. We had omelette sautéed with lots of tomatoes and palapa. Palapa is a disti cly Mindanaoan ingredient that is common in Muslim areas it is also used by the Maranao and Maguindanao peoe as its main ingredient in many dishes.

4

Aside from the omelette we also got to try the stingray (pagi) cooked in coconut milk with palapa. We were also served with beef sinina. A traditional Musli. Dish served spicy with lots of chili. Sinina is somewhat akin to our beff kaldereta except that the Muslim version also has coconut milk (gata) giving it a rich creamy texture and flavor.

5

From the Iranun village we hopped to the Maguindanao Village to partake the community’s Eid’l Fitr Pagana. The Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City has an interesting story to tell: among the ethnic groups in the Philippines, they were heavily influenced by the Chinese culture. This was evident i the decors of their homes as well as foods.

During our (second) lunch we were served with very fat freshly harvested crabs cooked in gata and spices. It was really rrally good! They also had sinina but their version was served with goat meat. Ot was fork tender and spices just right. We were also served with stif fried veggies somewhat similar to those you see in some Cantonese restaurants. We also had beef strips cooked in oyster sauce and broccoli.

6

Thevillage decked with colorful lemba also has a small sou enir shop where one can buy pasalubong for friends. They have keychains, dolls dressed i Traditional Maranao outfit, Malay CDs as well as assorted brasswares.
While checking out some items at the shope, ARMM DENR Secretary Haji Kahal Kedtag gave me a beautifully crafted purple Darangen doll as a goodwill gift.

We ended this amazing Halal Goodness Tour with a brassware gift from Cotabato City Gurlie Frondoza.
Cotabato City is a City of Peace. There’s no need for you to worry when traveling to this part of Mindanao. The peace-loving Cotabateños would always welcome you with open arms and let you experience their unique and distinctly Mindanao culture.

7

Halal Goodness: The Flavors of Eid’l Fitr (part2)

it was the feast of Eid’l Fitr. Early morning i can see women fully clothed in traditional Muslim wear silently walks along the hotel corridor. Later I learned that an early morning prayer was held just beside the hotel premises.
Careful not to disrupt to ceremonies, i took some snapshots before I had my breakfast.

1

I decided not to join the rest of the media team who went to the Grand Mosque at 4AM. It was too early for me.
Later we headed to the house of Cotabato city Administrator to partake of the Eid’l Fitr feast. It was an open house. And literally anybody can just get inside the house and eat.

2

After sharing the feast we went on a rolling tlur were we vot a glimpse of the old Cotabato Provincial Capitol and the cave bshind it. From there ournext destination is probably the highlight of ang tripto Cotabato: our visit to the Sultan Haji Hassanal BolkiahMsjid or more popularly known by its common name : the Grand Mosque.
The grand mosque has become the iconic symbol of Cotabato. It has also become the center of Islamic worship for many Musli.ms living in the City.

3

Of course I grabbed the chance to take a few snaps of the famed golden dome and its towering minarets. I also had my selfie taken at the mosque as well as a souvenir.
From the mosque wewent back to the ARMM Complex to partake of Pagana lunch from the Iranun Village. We were then served with traditional Iranun dishes specially prepared for the occasion. We had omelette sautéed with lots of tomatoes and palapa. Palapa is a disti cly Mindanaoan ingredient that is common in Muslim areas it is also used by the Maranao and Maguindanao peoe as its main ingredient in many dishes.

4

Aside from the omelette we also got to try the stingray (pagi) cooked in coconut milk with palapa. We were also served with beef sinina. A traditional Musli. Dish served spicy with lots of chili. Sinina is somewhat akin to our beff kaldereta except that the Muslim version also has coconut milk (gata) giving it a rich creamy texture and flavor.

5

From the Iranun village we hopped to the Maguindanao Village to partake the community’s Eid’l Fitr Pagana. The Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City has an interesting story to tell: among the ethnic groups in the Philippines, they were heavily influenced by the Chinese culture. This was evident i the decors of their homes as well as foods.

During our (second) lunch we were served with very fat freshly harvested crabs cooked in gata and spices. It was really rrally good! They also had sinina but their version was served with goat meat. Ot was fork tender and spices just right. We were also served with stif fried veggies somewhat similar to those you see in some Cantonese restaurants. We also had beef strips cooked in oyster sauce and broccoli.

6

Thevillage decked with colorful lemba also has a small sou enir shop where one can buy pasalubong for friends. They have keychains, dolls dressed i Traditional Maranao outfit, Malay CDs as well as assorted brasswares.
While checking out some items at the shope, ARMM DENR Secretary Haji Kahal Kedtag gave me a beautifully crafted purple Darangen doll as a goodwill gift.

We ended this amazing Halal Goodness Tour with a brassware gift from Cotabato City Gurlie Frondoza.
Cotabato City is a City of Peace. There’s no need for you to worry when traveling to this part of Mindanao. The peace-loving Cotabateños would always welcome you with open arms and let you experience their unique and distinctly Mindanao culture.

7

The Colors and Flavors of Eidl Fitr

Part 1

Its a celebration like no other. Far from the blaring sounds and the deafening drum beats im so used to during Festivals. It was my first ever experience of the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

I received a message through my Facebook messenger telling me to fly to Cotabato the next day for a media event. I was clueless.
It was only when I checked in at Al Nor Business Hotel that I learned that there will be a Halal Goodness Culinary Tour.

The event, first of its kind, was organized by the Department of Tourism RegionXII and the City of Cotabato.

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Weird as it may seem, Cotabato City is actually part of Region 12 collectively known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region but the regional center and Administrative hub of the ARMM region is also located in this city.

During the first day, there was a press conference and media briefing on what’s going to happen and what to expect. The presscon was headed by DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera and Cotabato City Tourism Officer Miss Gurlie Frondoza.

The Halal Goodness Culinary Tour is more than just a feast for the palate, it is an introduction for us on the local Islamic culture. Through the tour we were able to get a glimpse of how the Maranao, the Iranun and the Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City celebrate the grandest Islamic feast.

tinagtag
tinagtag

After the press conference we then headed to the People’s Palace where the Takbir prayers are recited by men.

After the takbir, just in time for the last sunset of Ramadan foods were served. We had preserved dates overflowing the table, dates are staple during the Eid feast.

Sunset prayers
Sunset prayers

We also had the traditional Maguindanao foods like the Beef Sinina tinagtag and dudol.

We also got to visit the ARMM Complex – ORG to check out the different tribal villages.

There was this distinct air of joy you get to feel when inside the ARMM Complex. The whole area is filled with locals enjoying their picnic snacks and dinner while young kids are having a good time at the play area.

Iranun Village
Iranun Village

Our first destination at the Tribal Village is the Iranun Village. Iranun are people mostly living in Parang Maguindanao.

We had the traditional Iranun feast known as “Pagana”. Pagana is usually served during special occasions like the Eid holiday.

We had arroz caldo, tinagtag and other local delicacies. Tinagtag is a popular snack common in Cotabato City it is made of rice but looks likesotanghon rolled like a wafer stick. It is lightly sweetened and a perfect pair for locally brewed coffee.

There were a lot of people going in a d out of thr village. Young visitors also also enjoying playing the traditional Muslim instruments like the kulintang, debakan and gong.

Pagana
Pagana

From the Iranun Village we then moved to the Maguindanao Village. The area is bedecked with coloful banners or locally known as lemba siganlling the joyous occasion. There was also a variety program held when we went there. We also got to check out one of the traditional Maguindanao houses with four-poster bed complete With all the decors fit for a royalty.

Our next destination is the Sama Village. The Sama-Badjao are k own to be the sea dwelling people living in Tawi – tawi.

There was also a program held at the Sama Village and a photo exhibit showcasing the rich culture of the Sama people.

From the Sama Village we continued our hopping spree with the Yakan Village. The Yakan people are known to be the inhabitants of the Basilan province. Quite a number of Yakan people also live along the coastal areas of Zamboanga City.

Yakan Village
Yakan Village

Yakan people is known for its colorful handwoven fabric with symmetrical and geometric patterns. Their creations are among the favored textile of choice for table Runners and handbags.

It ws already getting late and we have a 3am call time the following day so we decided to end our tour and return to the hotel.

The Colors and Flavors of Eidl Fitr

Part 1

Its a celebration like no other. Far from the blaring sounds and the deafening drum beats im so used to during Festivals. It was my first ever experience of the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

I received a message through my Facebook messenger telling me to fly to Cotabato the next day for a media event. I was clueless.
It was only when I checked in at Al Nor Business Hotel that I learned that there will be a Halal Goodness Culinary Tour.

The event, first of its kind, was organized by the Department of Tourism RegionXII and the City of Cotabato.

11755913_10153526695456457_6793567280537562090_n

Weird as it may seem, Cotabato City is actually part of Region 12 collectively known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region but the regional center and Administrative hub of the ARMM region is also located in this city.

During the first day, there was a press conference and media briefing on what’s going to happen and what to expect. The presscon was headed by DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera and Cotabato City Tourism Officer Miss Gurlie Frondoza.

The Halal Goodness Culinary Tour is more than just a feast for the palate, it is an introduction for us on the local Islamic culture. Through the tour we were able to get a glimpse of how the Maranao, the Iranun and the Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City celebrate the grandest Islamic feast.

tinagtag
tinagtag

After the press conference we then headed to the People’s Palace where the Takbir prayers are recited by men.

After the takbir, just in time for the last sunset of Ramadan foods were served. We had preserved dates overflowing the table, dates are staple during the Eid feast.

Sunset prayers
Sunset prayers

We also had the traditional Maguindanao foods like the Beef Sinina tinagtag and dudol.

We also got to visit the ARMM Complex – ORG to check out the different tribal villages.

There was this distinct air of joy you get to feel when inside the ARMM Complex. The whole area is filled with locals enjoying their picnic snacks and dinner while young kids are having a good time at the play area.

Iranun Village
Iranun Village

Our first destination at the Tribal Village is the Iranun Village. Iranun are people mostly living in Parang Maguindanao.

We had the traditional Iranun feast known as “Pagana”. Pagana is usually served during special occasions like the Eid holiday.

We had arroz caldo, tinagtag and other local delicacies. Tinagtag is a popular snack common in Cotabato City it is made of rice but looks likesotanghon rolled like a wafer stick. It is lightly sweetened and a perfect pair for locally brewed coffee.

There were a lot of people going in a d out of thr village. Young visitors also also enjoying playing the traditional Muslim instruments like the kulintang, debakan and gong.

Pagana
Pagana

From the Iranun Village we then moved to the Maguindanao Village. The area is bedecked with coloful banners or locally known as lemba siganlling the joyous occasion. There was also a variety program held when we went there. We also got to check out one of the traditional Maguindanao houses with four-poster bed complete With all the decors fit for a royalty.

Our next destination is the Sama Village. The Sama-Badjao are k own to be the sea dwelling people living in Tawi – tawi.

There was also a program held at the Sama Village and a photo exhibit showcasing the rich culture of the Sama people.

From the Sama Village we continued our hopping spree with the Yakan Village. The Yakan people are known to be the inhabitants of the Basilan province. Quite a number of Yakan people also live along the coastal areas of Zamboanga City.

Yakan Village
Yakan Village

Yakan people is known for its colorful handwoven fabric with symmetrical and geometric patterns. Their creations are among the favored textile of choice for table Runners and handbags.

It ws already getting late and we have a 3am call time the following day so we decided to end our tour and return to the hotel.