Boracay. This island attracts tourists from all parts of the world like bees to a honeypot. And will all those extra bodies, hotel accommodations have sprung up like .. well bees to a honeypot. The resort business is so lucrative that even Shangri-la staked their claim in this sandy funland. The dilemma now for tourists is where to stay? I have compiled reviews of several resorts to suit the needs from the luxury traveler to the budget conscious. ( Please be advised that reviews are based on personal opinion and experience so taste is subjective.)

Discovery Shores Beachfront

The only hotel in the Philippines to make it to the list of “Small Luxury Hotels” (www.slh.com), this new hotel caters to the new generation of high class resorts in Boracay. Designed by Budji Layug, the design reminisces of Modern Zen. Pricey but factor in all complimentary stuff like foot scrub massages, hats and bayongs, sunblock and mist sprays and evening sweets. Beach and pool service entails butlers quick to offer fingerfoods like cookies & sherbets and unlimited fruit juice, even orange and avocado slices for the eyes and cheeks. All rooms come with a 32 inch lcd tv, dvd, ipod dock and wifi.

Booking : 036 2884500 Fax 288 4505 or call toll free at 7208888.

Php Rates : Junior Suites 14,640, one bedroom suites 18,910, two bedroom suites 23,790, one bedroom deluxe rooms 21, 350, bedroom deluxe rooms 26840. Less 15 % during lean season and + 15 % during peak seasons ( with breakfast and airport transfers via airconditioned boat.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center Beachfront

One of the largest resorts in the island, their convention center can fit 700 people. Business center, gym, several bars and stores and an underground disco named Wave. The rooms are clean and resembles a city hotel.

Booking : 036 2886111, 2886115. 09173025929

Rates: Standard 6048, Superior 8176, Deluxe rooms 8960, Poolside deluxe 10590, Family rooms 12208, Jr Suites 12208, Jr Suites Poolside 13838, Executive Suite 13776, Honeymoon suite 16576, Presidentail Suite 24,080, royal suite 24,080. Less 35 % on leans seasons, +10% on peak season.

Two Seasons Beachfront

Located at Station 1, this new resort incorporates modern zen and tropical influences in its design. Rooms come with LCD tvs and ipod docking stations. Free wifi is available on the beachfront and restaurants. 24 hour security to guard items on the lounge is a plus.

Bookings: 632) 415-4652, ) 413-5903, Email: rsvn@twoseasonsboracay.com

Rates: Superior 6000, Deluxe 8500, Deluxe Grand ( Poolside) 10,500, Family Grandsuites 15,000. Less 1000-1500 for lean seasons and plus 1000-1500 for peak seasons

Altavista Resort

This newly opened resort is for those who prefer to live on the mountains instead of by the beach. Situated on the mountains, this resort features brand new furnishings and peace and quiet. Their infinity pool is atop the hills, with the oceans below overlooking. Puka beach is just 10 minutes away and they offer free shuttle service around boracay island. With its soft opening rates, its quite a steal.

Booking:(6336)288-9888 email: reservations@altavistaboracay.com

Rates: Soft opening intro rate Deluxe Room 2500, Loft 3500.Regular rate Deluxe 6000, Loft 9000.

Seawind Resort ( 155 USD) / Beachfront

For those who want that Filipino style of living with modern amenities like airconditioning. This resort incorporates traditional Filipino furniture. Expect to see nipa weaves on walls or ceilings depending on which room you are located. Also a popular hotel for hosting beach weddings.

Booking :. 036 2883091 fax 288 3425 or email seawind@pacific.ne.ph

Rates : Deluxe rooms $ 155, Super deluxe rooms $ 180, Suites $ 210. Less 20 % leanseason + 30% peak season

The Tides Boracay

A modern hotel placed right smack in the middle of D’Mall and White Beach. The rooms are furnished with high end facilities and modern fixtures. Their pool is at the top of the deck, overlooking Boracay.

Booking : 036 2884517 fax 2884518 email tidesreservation@gmail.com

Php Rates : Essential rooms $ 140 Exceptional rooms $180 furnished with lcd tv, cable access, butler service and in room safe. Facilities include a Sundeck bar and café, business center, pool and wifi access

SUR

This all white building is located at the quiet part of white beach where the sand is finer. Rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious with modern interiors. A personal favorite, this resort is perfect for those who value good design and value for money.

Booking: 0362886844 Fax 2886843 Mobile 09287811233

Php Rates: standard double rooms 4000, standard triple rooms 5000, superior room 5500, superior beachfront rooms 7000, Family room 7000. Less 1500 for lean season and add 1500 for peak.

La Carmela de Boracay

Stretching from the beachfront towards the main road, this resort is equipped with a pool, slide and Jacuzzi, function rooms, business center and computer rental, gym and spa. The superior rooms are fairly decent and atypical of motels. Recommended for those who will be spending most of their time on the beach.

Booking : 036 288 5423, 2885921, mobile 09209513665

Rates: Superior 3300, Semideluxe 3800, Deluxe 4100, Junior Honeymooon suites 7000, VIP rooms 7,000, Penthouse suites 8,000. Less 15 % on lean seasons and Plus 15 % for peak seasons.

Seabird International Resort

Fifty meters off the white beach path, this resort is well maintained and offer all basic amenities. Their restaurant serves good food. A good deal for the budget conscious.

Booking 036 2883047 Fax 288 3816

Rates : Deluxe rooms 30usd, double deluxe 35 usd, triple deluxe 40 usd , super deluxe rooms 50 usd. For peak seasons plus 50 %

email author at wandergirl28@gmail.com. For pic visit www.wandergirl28.multiply.com

( A wicked analysis into the habits and behaviors of Japanese culture )

I will have to get an engineering degree so I can take a piss. The Japanese toilet is even more complicated than my rusty old laptop. My first encounter lasted for an hour just figuring out the buttons. And because of its ultra high extra sensor technology, it will not work until you actually sit on the damn seat and push a button. On the first try, a small lever ejected out from nowhere. It seemed pretty safe enough until it suddenly squirted water right into regions south of my Brazil that made me yelp. Great, I just lost my virginity to a Japanese toilet.

I will be invincible to all calamities known to earth except Godzilla. Earthquake? I was in Tokyo when an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude caused a nuclear plant leak which contaminated the water pipes. “No worry no worry” our tourguide dismisses me with a wave of her hand. I was at the Tokyo tower when an aftershock sent all the Filipino tourists scrambling for dear life. The Japanese? -still admiring the view with their kids as if it was a happy rainshower. I practically screamed at the hotel phone operator asking where the emergency exits are after another aftershock rocked our hotel at midnight. The reply? What you say? towels you like towel? Medicine? I don’t understand? Shake? You like drink? Oh never mind. CNN blared warnings against tsunamis as we went to Disney Sea and all the Japanese tourguide tells us with a wave of her hand… no worries! That is why they have Bioman and Shaider to save the day.

I will lug a trashcan with me everyday. It is a miracle how the streets and parks of Japan are impeccably clean with nary a trashcan in sight of the public. As explained to me, it is customary to bring their trash back home. In Edo Imperial Park, I wanted to throw my unfinished ice cream away and after walking from end to end looking for a trashcan, there was none in sight. I asked a nearby policeman where I can throw it. He just motioned the sign “ No trashcan. You eat all.” And started following me with ninja like stealth until I licked off every single drop to his satisfaction. (There is a fine for littering regardless of nationality).If only we can put such enthusiasm to our trash situation.

I will be a neat freak. If there is another adjective to describe them aside from spotless, it will be organized. The Japanese adherence to accuracy and perfection creeps into every solitary detail. Just browse around their grocery stores. Even the shrimps are aligned in perfect symmetrical order, of the same size and shape. Ever wonder why they eat in bento boxes? It sorts and files the four basic food groups in proper place. And us pinoys? We invented the Halo Halo. Spot the difference?

I will have the uncanny ability to ride a bicycle in a pencil cut skirt. I don’t know how they do it. But they do it.

I will eat green tea and beans for desert. We might look at them as food for the oldies here but for some peculiar reason, the Japanese love green tea and beans on ice cream, cookies and cake. It does offer a pretty interesting taste and texture. Not to mention the nifty nutritional value they contain. ( email the author at wandergirl28@gmail.com or visit http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com )

.

chool is home away from home. This is said most especially for students who are sent to Manila or abroad for college. Suddenly, these kids face a new culture and way of life, not to mention a new standard of expectations from the Universities. Perhaps, half of the worrying comes from the parents too. To give a picture of what lies ahead, a few students share their experiences and tips on surviving life Manila bound.

Finding a place to live is the first problem. Samantha Uy from Ateneo suggests an on – campus dorm for security. For Daphne Chu, a condominium unit near the school saves time and effort. Kathleen Uy of UP Diliman suggests that a dorm will instill discipline because of the rules imposed ( eg. lights off by 9pm). Living with relatives is also a safe option but most agreed that it will not teach them independence. To sum it up, Ryan Seng of DLSU suggests that “the first year should be spent at the dorm, getting to meet new friends, take the time to adjust and learn as much as possible about the new environment. To be further independent and to be able to grow all the more, for the second year, the student should try living in a condo”

With the sudden independence, they realized that they have taken for granted many things like having someone to cook your meals or clean up after you or a driver to bring you around. “It’s hard getting to places cause I need to commute and Manila is a huge and scary place “ says Daphne. Getting along with your roommates is also an issue. In terms of budgeting, they share their own tips. Samantha suggests “I buy what i prioritize the most first like food before buying anything else (clothes, etc) and then keep track of what i spend in a little notebook. It is also wise to just borrow books from upperclass friends because you don’t really have to spend 800+ pesos for a book that you’ll only be using for 1 semester.” Ryan on the other hand estimates his fixed cost each day by adding all his expenses and then dividing it for the month with the amount of his total allowance. “It gives you an idea on how much you’re going to spend and need to save on a daily basis.” Michelle Bangayan of DLSU admits that she ended up spending too much in the beginning. “My advice is to set a limit on how much you spend per week, and keep receipts to keep track of what you’ve bought.” In the end, everyone agrees that they all learned independence and self reliance. They also acknowledge that there is the danger of abusing the freedom. Responsibility is a must to keep everything together.

Expectations from their schools vary. “Schoolwork is also heavy that you sometimes end up not sleeping for days just to finish a paper. Samantha recalls. Michele and Daphne acknowledge the faster pace of life “Everyone seems to be on the go.” Daphne laments.

Ryan on the other hand thinks that it all depends on the school and the schedule. “ You could be a bum for all you want or you could take an extra load. The student controls the pace actually.”

As for the lifestyle, there were different levels of culture shock. “The way of life and the parties is quite different from what i experience back at home because it is, in a way, wilder” says Samantha “I find out that drinking/smoking is just normal; almost everyone does it. Culture shock, yes – just knowing that people do this and that (things I might find NOT normal).- says Dapne Chu. Michele admits that people would openly talk about things considered as taboo back in Davao but would say that Davao is a little like Manila in terms of parties. Kathleen recalls that coming from Davao Christian High School, she was surprised to meet a lot of atheists and homosexuals in UP. “You get exposed to people from different backgrounds. There is a wider range of thinking and beliefs” For Ryan “ Language would probably be the biggest culture shock if the province from where you came from doesn’t know how to speak fluent tagalong “

One way of adjusting to the studies and independent lifestyle is by maintaining friendships with people in common. Michele says “ It wasn’t a hard adjustment for me because I have many friends from Davao as well and we all learned many things together.” Although they also have friends from Manila, most of them feel that they are able to relate more to friends from Davao and Cebu. For the girls, it is the fact that they have the same background and culture. For Ryan, being able to converse in “bisaya” makes him feel more at home.

In the end, do these students want to go back home? We get different answers. Samantha and Michele both wants to return to Davao because of the simple and laid back lifestyle. Kathleen does not know yet but admits that the job opportunities of her course (Computer Engineering) is limited in Davao. Daphne feels that it will not make sense to go back since there are more job opportunities in Manila. And Ryan wants to stay in Manila because of the independence.

Email author at wandergirl28@gmail.com

On a quiet Sunday, the roads headed to Mati stretched out monotonously as if in harmony with the purr of the engine lulling us to sleep. I had joined my parent’s reunion slash field trip with the Stella Maris Academy class of 1969 to Davao Oriental upon the invitation of Governor Corazon Malanyaon.

We stopped at the Calumunan Homestay, also the home of Justina Yu, former mayor of San Isidro for breakfast. This homestay is frequented by foreigners looking for the “local” experience. San Isidro has 24 acredited homestays and their clientele included Japanese, Israelis, Germans, French and Koreans all interested in a different way of life. Programs include local interaction with a neighboring orphanage as well as visiting nearby dive sites Borias and Tinaytay. Tina recalls housing the Japanese daughter of the owner of Shiseido. It was the father’s intent to open her daughter’s eyes to a different way of life, far different from luxurious one. Her outlook changed considerably after 12 days. In fact, most visitors end up helping and donating to the orphanage and the locals afterwards.

After a simple breakfast, the class trekked to catch the tail end of mass at the San Isidro Parish Church. It is the church ceiling that caught our attention. Made of wooden slats of varying lengths and colors, the outcome was an intricate labor of love. Half of the church’s expenses was donated by the Consuji family. The cross, a sculpture of Jesus designed by a student scholar stands as the biggest one in Mindanao.

Another highlight is a trek down to Cawa Cawa falls. The zigzagging staircase led us down to a wild rush of fresh water. This small pocket of nature is a brief escape from the city. If you plod on further, past the makeshift bridge to the other side and up, you get to the bigger basin of swirling fresh water, so aptly called “cawa cawa” for its basin like structure, a glorious respite to the heat of the sun. This trek left us a little breathless but a lot more energized.

The Cawa Cawa falls is the start off point to Mt Hamiguitan where the must see pygmy forests grow wild. Also the sanctuary of the Philippine eagle, It will take a day’s trek to reach the top. A day to revel and explore the pygmy forest, a dense expanse of dwarflike trees and another day’s journey back. Unfortunately, we only had one day to cover everything, so the pygmy forests will have to be next trip’s agenda.

Our coastal boat ride at Pujada Bay was cancelled due to the relentless stream of rain. Instead, we spent the hours over a charming lunch set up at the resort home of Atty Leo Sibala. We also had the chance to see and taste authentic Mandaya cooking. Rice was wrapped in tagba leaves, chicken and beef meat swirling in tasty soup broth, all inserted inside large green bamboos and roasted over fiery charcoal. The bamboo is to be broken when served. I also had the chance to taste the crunchy sweetness of the homemade buko tarts made by Atty Sibala’s wife. From the veranda where we are eating, Pujada island seemed so near, one imagines swimming towards it. The view was an interlayer of multicolored strips. –the sky’s blue tinged against Pujada island’s bright

white sand, the ocean’s green and midnight blue and the beige strip of beach a few meters away from where we are. Governer Cora was very enthusiastic about her development plans for Mati. Her main concern was to develop ecotourism in a way that will not harm its natural resources.

We left Mati, not before a quick stop at Marton’s catering for a fresh batch of monggo pandesals. Definitely, Davao Oriental has a lot to offer. Next time, I plan to stay for more than a day.

* for more info on tours contact local tourism Cynthia Rodriguez 087 3884014 or Anton Edquilla 082 4403420

Note to self: always follow my own advice.

I always tell my passengers to book manila caticlan - kalibo manila when going to boracay. And like the 100 million passengers who probably thinks m hoarding all the caticlan manila flights, i booked me+family a roundtrip caticlan flight. Im taking my chances.

So here we are at this dinky stuffy lil airport wallowing in our utter misery waiting and waiting for that trip back home. We all sort of knew at the back of our heads that we have a 50 % chance of getting cancelled.

Announce of hour delay. ( whew we are still good)

Announce of cancelled flight. Passengers will be moved to the next flights. pls wait for further announcements.

of course we didnt. I calculated the two other flights. I knew it was fully booked. I knew that plane can only accomodate 45 passengers and 37 was already checked in at the next flight. I knew that it would have been better to go back to boracay and just enjoy one more night at the island instead of waiting till the end of time here at the airport. But i ran to the check in counter anyway to make sure we get to those last remaining seats. ( and i knew when they keep assuring me everyone will get back home. it was a lie just to get us out of their faces)

anyway we did get in the next flight. and the other passengers? who knows. they could have been waiting till the end of time until those check in people actually pick straws to tell them they will be stranded.overnight.

Well, due to weather conditions. all flights got cancelled anyway. and we were stranded. The check in counter was in bedlam. and I just stood there feeling sorry for her since everyone was practically screaming at her face. So we  spent the night at  dad’s instant friends house with andoks chicken and i wore my sarong for pajamas.

Manila airport. Manila airport. Manila airport.

Today was like a pooped out day for me at the airport. LInes were like the F4 concert but hungrier and heavier. and when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. It was time to try daddy tactics ( with some of my adaptation) of airport survival.

First hurdle was going inside the airport. Fortunately, there was a gap in the line that stretched from hereon to andalusia. I quickly ran to the girl whose dad was forcing his kids bags in that gap saying that her flight was to bacolod ( almost boarding! ). Station self behind girl and became miss chatty. Miss magisa ka lang? First time mo? ( obviously so since his dad waved goodbye twice and kept returning for last minute reminders) Sama nalang tayo.

Once inside, i had to ditch her since her baggages were too heavy for me to wait. Gauging from the intense lines… this was time for tactic two.

Get the shortest line. Who cares where it says it goes. All terminals are online anyway. Saw a counter that said TAGBILARAN. OUR COMPUTERS OFFLINE and decided to fall in line with the solitary person talking to the check in lady. I see her giving him boarding passes. Ha! the sign is a scam but im too smart for that. Unfortunately people started falling in line behind me… asking me tagbilaran? tagbilaran to? And then the check in lady started shouting Tagbilaran Final Call. ( it was like 10 minutes before boarding) and in that split second, Everyone behind me raced to the checkout lady like it was their last meal ticket. my petite bones almost got crushed by the stampeding herd and their 10 kilo luggages amidst screams of TAGBILARAN AKO!!!

Since im not good with crowd control and stampedes, i lost the battle but was still in the war. It is time to do Next Daddy Tactic…. Barter! it was a day trip for me, so i can offer my 20k luggage allowance for that place in line. “pssstttt Miss.. overweight kayo? I can give you my baggage allowance.” i said waiving my ticket seductively while her eyes followed it like a hawk to a mouse. ( watch the eyes.- u you get that suspicious squint because they think you will inconvenience them and then realization dawns and then they get that greedy glaze that says ooohh will put one over the airline company look) A freebie is too good to waste. And yes i was in.

third hurdle- The terminal fee. The lines at the terminal fee is always weird. Three lines that goes abnormally to 6 because people dont know if the lines become blurred with the checkin counter lines. Unlike my dad who just offers to pay fee of the next person in line, i am small enough to squeeze self in anyline. ( my special talent! ) plus im too cheap to pay for someones terminal fee. . Just get exact bills ready coz when in a face off.. the person always gets the one with exact change.

And then the xrays. I hate xrays. Mainly because i have to remove shoes and walk on dirty ugly floor. Sometimes i get past it if i pretend i didnt hear. But most of the time, i just stand on tippytoes and wipe it with alchohol and kleenex after.

And last butnot least- the waiting area. JamPACKED… practically not a chair in sight.Im half tempted to actially declare i neeed a wheelchair so i can have at least a decent place to park self. If im rude, i can shove the bags people use as “SAVE” and sit on it actually. but i dont do that. So i just wait…. and wait… and wait…

**ps. i wasnt exactly mean. after getting boarding pass, I went back to help the kid mainly because I remembered my first trip alone as a minor. it was pleasant. My mom accompanied me to the check in and The pretty PAL stewardess even gave me a pin that says. HI! IM _____. And IM __________ yrs OLD.

* pss. oooh dont forget to barter with someone of the same flight. Otherwise, you might end up with a one way  boarding pass to Basilan.

The only three reasons i go to Bacolod

1. Work ( nuff said)

2. Dr. Au - my once a month physical therapist. I . N.E.E.D. M.Y. M.Y.O.T.H.E.R.A.P..Y. The man goes to manila once a month and for some weird reason has a lot of clients by word of mouth. referred by charms who claims bulok si “intercare”. fine… since i was the one who referred intercare, i decided to try it and felt a whole lot better. And whats great is if i go to Bacolod for pt. i pay province price.

3. Calea chocolate cake - the cake weighs like a pound but worth dragging way back to Manila over. My whole family agrees… anyone who goes to Bacolod has to bring one back.

a freebie i really really want want want!!!!! i gotta give 3 good reasons why i should win the Corregidor overnight tour with Carlos Celdran.

1. I love him! ( not in the Lets-get-married sense of love but more of His-Tours-Rock-kind-of-loving! )

2. I can have something to write about in my columns… ( Contrary to popular public assumption, no my trips are NOT being subsidized by Sunstar Davao- The Unlonely Planet)

3. I desperately need a vacation. PLEEEEZEEE PICK ME! ( im on hand and knees here)

4. I have no historical idea what happened in Corregidor. Never been there. I might get struck by lightning anytime now without even knowing what happen in dear old Corregidor.

5. I just found out that Carlos’ dad is our family doctor. ( hmm this is still subject to confirmation). But if his dad is the pedatrician with hairy arms and hands out choco lollies after every session, Then i deserve this dammit!!! i practically spent my childhood in that office listening to kids screaming their lungs off from injection issues. and then screaming my lungs off when my turn came. and then staring at his kids caricature drawings he displays proudly in his office ( hmm come to think of it… i wonder if they are carlos’ work?) . My last check up was like when i was 27 years old.

We all go to Dr. Celdran. And when i finally cough up a kid, i will bring him to Dr. Celdran. He is like the institution.

so anyway.. if anyone else wants to join… just click here and here..

yes. i want to be rich. filthy disgusting rich. the crazy kind of rich. and if i cant join amazing race asia to get there. then maybe joining this contest can! all i have to do is blog about this….

Manila Freelancer will be giving away a brand new hard bound copy of Why We Want You to be Rich: Two Men - One Message by Donald J. Trump and Robert T. Kiyosaki, Another inspirational book that will teach us how to be rich!

wana join too? visit here and here

So many food, so little time. What is a foodie to do? We attempted to make a list of what to eat and where to get it. After exhausting interviews, intensive tummy breaking research and 10 whopping pounds later, the results are now in. And the winners are….

Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Steamed chicken paired with rice simmered slowly in hearty chicken stock. Their faithful sidekicks? -The trio of ginger, chili and soy. Everyone claims to be the expert on where to get the best chicken rice. Ask the locals and what you will get is a heated debate. The dilemma is do we go to Tien Tien Chicken Rice at the Maxwell Hawker Centre or the Chatterbox in Mandarin hotel?. Then there is that rumor about Mandarin’s former chef leaving to open Wee Nam Kee in Thomson road. Others will put their money down on the food court at the 2^nd floor of IBM towers. How about Boon Tong Kee at Balestier road? Whatever the outcome, the chickens sure aren’t happy.

Chili Crabs / Pepper Crab

These Jumbo crawlers come in varying mixes, all fried in high heat woks to seal in flavor. At the top of the food chain is the chili crab, drowned in a fiery sweet sauce. Best sopped up with mantho, deep fried bread so dense, it drops on your plate with a thud. Black pepper crab is also a crowd pleaser with its hot flashes of pepper, salt and garlic. The best catches are at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, No Signboard and Matter Road Seafood Barbecue (old airport road temporary hawker center).

Laksa

This bowl of noodles, prawns, cockles and fishcakes swathed in a creamy curry of coconut milk is sweet and spicy and sour and coconuty and hot hot hot! Fill up at Sungei Road Laksa in Blk 27 Jalan Berseh, Jin Shui Kopitiam where the owner still uses charcoal fire to keep the soup warm. Beware of franchise outlets that fails to keep up with the magic.

Roti Prata

This round flat dough that blooms slowly into a flower of petal thin sheaths when broken is an old Indian staple. Best eaten with your hands and dipped in curry sauce. I can stare on for hours as it is made, kneaded, whirled, spread out and grilled. Magic. Go to Thasevi Food Famous Jalan Kayu Prata Restaurant for this one. ( ps. They close at Friday from 12-230 for prayers)

Bak kut teh

The English translation is pork ribs tea. Dark meaty bones are simmered in a broth of herbs and spices that brings out a complexity of flavors. Legend dictates there are three types of bakuteh in Singapore. The Teochew, light and peppery, the Hoklo from the hokkien region is dark in soy and salt and the Cantonese where medicinal herbs are packed in for a stronger punch. And the master of all bakuteh’s can be found at Rong Chen at blk 22 Sin Ming Rd. Eng Ho Hup Coffeeshop.

Kaya Toast Breakfast

Singapore mornings always meant a thick layer of kaya (jam made of coconut and eggs) spread generously on toast and topped with a square pat of sunny butter. Washed down with a mug of piping hot coffee or Teh Tarik. Teh Tarik is tea with condensed milk mixed using the pulling method. You can also substitute coffee instead of tea. You can buy these in Kopi Tiams ( traditional breakfast and coffee shop) scattered in every nook and corner. The big contenders in the Kopitiam war are age old establishments Killiney or Yakun.

Char Kway Teow

Broad Flat noodles fried in high heat and soy sauce, brimming with egg, beansprouts, chinese sausages, prawns, vegetables and what have you’s leaves that greasy salty sense of satisfaction. Go try Outram Park Fried Kway Teow at Hong Lim Market and Cooked Food Centre.

Satay

The Malay version of pinoy barbecue are these little charcoal grilled bits of meat dipped in chunky peanut gravy. For Satay that can satisfy go to Warong Sudi Mampir at Haig Road 0-19 Haig Road Food Centre.

ROJAK

This Asian salad involves fruits, vegetables, bean curd and dough fritters tossed in a darkly sweet dressing made of fermented prawn paste, ground chili, sugar, lime juice and roasted peanuts. The wait is worth it at Toa Payoh Rojak ( old airport road food center) where ingredients are served fresh with a special mix of assam hay ko sauce.

Cereal Prawns

A lot of pinoys seem to favor the cereal prawns rather than the more popular crabby counterparts when munching around in Singapore. What is not to love? Fried jumbo prawns coated in heavenly flakes of cereal beats Japanese tempura anytime. You can’t go wrong with No Signboard! Or for a more hole in the wall flavor, order the Prawns with Butter and Cereal at Sinma in Geylang.

( *thanks to fellow foodies–Raphael Las Marias, Thel Mundin, Keryl Lee, Lee Ying Ying, Chris and Pear B and the indisputable Makasutra guide. email the author at littledot78@gmail.com or www.theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com )