Pamaypay Industry in Bascaran

Today, mother and I went to Brgy. Bascaran, Daraga, Albay to order some kingkong (which means really BIG) fans. It seems, this barangay has long made its mark in the "pamaypay" or Buri fan industry in the Philippines. almost all of the residents know how to weave fans. it's interesting to note however that, like in an automotive industry, the jobs are segregated. Someobody does the first half of the weaving of the fan, and another finishes the second weaving. As such, nobody knows how to weave a complete fan.. ha ha ha! imagine that.



Lately, they have also begun to make use of the ribs of the buri leaves, making it into curly decorative items which they ship to different countries abroad.

Mad about mini Carrot cakes

If you happen to pass by Red platter in Downtown Naga, do try...nope, better make that an imperative -- Try! Try their mini carrot cake. It's the perfect blend of sweet-salty yummy-licious carrot and cake. the first time I tried it, i was surprised because it wasn't overly sweet. Well, it seems the icing is made of a combination of cream cheese and milk, and the cake itself is not-too-sweet. For P55, it can also be an elegant yet affordable gift. It comes with its own box and you can ask for a gift card.

New Mag about Bicol

There's a new magazine just about Bicol..."Bicol Homepage", published by Minnie Francia. It's all about Bicolano people, places, events, dishes and everything you want to know if you want to have a good time here. And guess who's included in its second publication? me... hehehe... You can check out an online copy at their homepage: www.bicolhomepage.com. And for my friends who are interested in reading the complete story about their feature on baycrafts, follow this link: http://www.bicolhomepage.com/contents/december07/caramoan.html

Massage Huts

Lately there's been a lot of hoopla about Pili's Water sports Complex, CWC. But,if you're not a water sports freak like me and barely even know how to swim, what can you do at CWC? Well, good news, they have massage huts where you can have either a version of the shiatsu or swedish massage done by trained masseurs. It will cost you P250. If you get hungry, you can always order at the CWC resto, but don't expect fast service, it takes ages for the crew to come back with the goodies, believe me. Oh, better bring your laptop too. If you're merely waiting for your friends while they humiliate themselves by repeatedly falling flat-face into the water during their wake-boarding adventure, you can stay cool by browsing the net through the complex's wifi access.

The Ultimate Coffee house

Call me biased, but I like my coffee tambayan well-rounded. And so, when friends call for a coffee date, we almost usually end up at Starmark. coffee ranges from P45 to P60. But what i like most about my favorite hang-out is the variety of its offering. If I'm hungry and poor, i could for the lechon mami for only P45. If i'm feeling decadent, I go for the tangy Mango mousse cake. If you're on a diet, you can have garden salad. They even have bread and they will heat and cut it up for you before serving. I know, i know, i sound like a paid testimonial... hehe, which reminds me, i better ask for a discount cum loyalty card next time im there.

Avenue Hotel

Feeling sosyal? now you can indulge in a luxurious lifestyle with the newly opened Avenue Plaza Hotel along Magsaysay. What i like most about this place is its outdoor coffee lounge. It has a cozy gazebo where you can dine. Aside from that, the big pool just beside it lends an air of serenity. They serve beer and a variety of coffee... and yes, you can also have food. Food though, as expected with most hotels is a bit pricey. Plates start at P185 to a whopping P345. Beer (they only have san mig available) is pegged at P25 per bottle.

I liked their choco log, one of their featured desserts, although at P125, i think it's a bit overpriced.

you can also lounge in the multiple lounging chairs placed beside the pool, and for lovers there's a cozy swing just for the two of you.

Westpark: New happening place in town

Westpark will be housing a host of resto bars and coffee shops. Included in its tenant line-up is the popular Tokyo Tokyo and the australian based coffee shop Mocha blends. New in the scene is Dennis grill, a local restaurant which is owned by Dennis Caramoan. Naguenos will also be happy to know that their favorite street food will also be offered in one of its soon-to-open restaurant dubbed as "strit bites".


Westpark had its soft launch last September 14, where its first tenant, Mocha blends, opened shop for the first time. The rest of the tenants are expected to start construction last week of september, and is expected to open its doors to the public within two months.

For leasing inquiries, you may call Ms. Li-anne Montemayor at 4717722 or 091279759775.