A Pleasure Ride Via The Nasugbu-Ternate Highway

A Pleasure Ride Via The Nasugbu-Ternate Highway

         A very wide area of Tagaytay City was enveloped by thick fog that morning, forcing drivers to switch on their headlights. We took this as an opportune time to have a quick breakfast of longganisa, pancake, hash brown, coffee and iced tea at McDonald's. Done in 20 minutes, we were cruising down Aguinaldo Highway en route to the western part of Batangas when weather cleared up.

         The quiet town of Lian in Batangas was celebrating its fiesta as traffic along the highway was diverted to the innermost, side streets. Marching bands could be seen as the townsfolk paid homage to their patron saint John the Baptist, with water being doused on passing cars. At the outskirts of the town, there were wide green fields. We parked by the side of a lonely road to have a bagful of Indian mangoes.

         Nasugbu was our next stop. Right then and there, we decided to take the newly opened Nasugbu-Ternate Highway, a route we had not yet taken, a route that would ultimately lead us back to Manila. It is a well-paved highway, not even one pothole can be seen. Scenery is nice all throughout, with spectacular bay views up to Kaybiang Tunnel.

          Kaybiang Tunnel connects Nasugbu, Batangas to Ternate, Cavite. The newly-built tunnel pierces through what was once an impregnable rocky mountain called Mt. Palay Palay. With a length of 300 meters, it is considered as the longest road tunnel in the Philippines. It is now a favorite destination of cyclists, bikers and travellers.

          Traversing the Ternate side of the highway, with high elevation and with tall trees all around, we breezed past the junction leading to Caylabne Bay and Puerto Azul and started descending towards the populated areas of Ternate and Maragondon. We wanted to make a side trip to Mt. Nagpatong where revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio and his brother were treacherously executed. Due to time constraints, we decided to forego as Manila was still many kilometers away. See you next time, Supremo.

- Konted

Panoramic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from the ridge

Fog envelopes a wide area of Tagaytay City. Visibility is almost zero.

At Tagaytay Country Homes

Breakfast at McDonald's

Breakfast at McDonald's

Welcome landmark at the Tagaytay-Nasugbu boundary

Wide open space at the outskirts of the town of  Lian in Batangas. This is a few kilometers away from Matabungkay.

Rice paddies in Lian, Batangas

Making a stopover by the side of the lonely road leading to Newport Hills and San Diego Beach. There is an abundance of Indian mangoes.

It's Lian's fiesta. Patron saint is St. John the Baptist.

At the town proper of Nasugbu in Batangas

Part of the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway. There is a cluster of beach resorts here such as Punta de Fuego, Kawayan Cove, White Sand, Munting Buhangin, etc.

Ocean view from Kawayan Cove

Munting Buhangin Beach Resot in Nasugbu, Batangas

A long stretch of the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway after driving downhill.

The famed Pico de Loro Rock Monolith looms on the horizon.

Cows grazing by the side of the road as one makes an ascent. Take note of the beautiful Fire Tree.

A fishing village near the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway

View of the coastline from the highway

This is still part of Nasugbu in Batangas

Taking our own sweet time

Approaching Kaybiang Tunnel

Kaybiang Tunnel connects Nasugbu, Batangas to Ternate, Cavite.

Kaybiang Tunnel pierces through Mount Palay-Palay.

With a length of 300 meters, it is regarded as the longest road tunnel in the Philippines.

The Cavite portion of the highway. It leads to the towns of Ternate, Maragondon, Naic, Tanza, Noveleta and Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).

Late, late lunch

Late, late lunch

Steaming Hot Bulalo At Aviles

Steaming Hot Bulalo At Aviles

         Our craving for Bulalo was strong that day. Hunger plus intense desire for that Filipino dish made it a top priority that precise moment. Tender beef shanks, still clinging to the big bone, occupied a great portion of the big bowl of beef broth which was served piping hot. Wild onion leaves, cut into small portions, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper made it all the more tempting. And noticeable was a stick placed on top of the bowl used to take out the marrow.

        Serving the best Bulalo in the Philippines is Aviles Restaurant located near the foothills of the famed Mount Makiling. As you turn left at the farthest end of South Luzon Expressway, Aviles Resto is at the left side of the national road as you approach the town proper of Calamba, Laguna. Ask any bystander or trike driver, for sure he knows the exact location. Aviles has become as popular as Jose Rizal's birthplace in Calamba.

        As we were slurping the broth, which was really hot that it could burn your tongue, tawilis, skewered onto pointed bamboo sticks, were served. Tawilis is a small freshwater sardine that can be harvested only in Taal Lake in Batangas. With steaming rice and hot beef broth, the goodness of Taal's rare fish is enhanced. From time to time, pieces of beef shanks were dipped in soy sauce with kalamansi. And trying a bit of bone marrow was an experience in itself. It was a hearty meal and so good that everyone was talking about it as we continued to make the loop around Laguna de Bay.

- Konted

Aviles Resto's  Bulalo

Tawilis

Bulalo and Tawilis make a good pair.

Aviles Resto in Calamba, Laguna

Tawilis can be found only at Taal Lake in Batangas.

Tapsi Ni Vivian: So Good

Tapsi Ni Vivian:  So Good

           Meat that is cured or dried is called tapa. It can be the meat of a cow, deer or lamb. Tapa is popular in the Philippines.  When served with fried egg and fried rice, it is called Tapsilog, a combination of the words tapa, sinangag and itlog.  There are many eateries serving Tapsilog but no other food outlet beats Tapsi Ni Vivian.

The best Tapsilog in town.

Tapsilog comes with free unlimited soup.

Special vinegar to go with the Tapa

            Being in the food business since the early 80's, Tapsi ni Vivian serves delectable tapsilog.  The meat is tender and a little bit sweet. Tapsilog is served generously with free hot soup. Tapa is best eaten with a sprinkling of vinegar. Aside from tapa, one can opt for tocino, longganisa or lechon kawali. There are other food items readily available.

There is a wide variety to choose from.  Lechon Kawali is also a favorite.

Crispy Pata

Breaded Shrimps

Chicharon Bulaklak

            Located along Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina City, Tapsi ni Vivian is housed in a 5-storey building.  The place is clean. Service is good. Diners do not wait for long. There is ample parking space in front of the restaurant. Tapsi ni Vivian is near Sta. Lucia Mall.

Tapsi ni Vivian is open 24 hours a day.

Food preparation is done here.

Other food items are readily available including Soup #5

            Tapsihan or restaurants serving tapsilog have sprouted in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country. They are everywhere. Tapsilog continues to be popular as it is affordable. But, again, nothing comes close to Tapsi ni Vivian.  It is simply the best.

Madam Vivian owns the restaurant.

Tapsi ni  Vivian is housed in a 5-storey building owned by Madam Vivian. It has an elevator.

- Konted

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