Marquee: Ayala Angeles City

Ayala Malls are always an architecture wonder. Definitely way cooler than the box that SM is (though SM Baguio and SM MOA are major improvements). I always enjoy getting lost in Ayala Malls without ever needing to spend anything.

My friends living in San Fernando, Pampanga was supposed to take us to this local coffee shop but by the time we got there, they were already closed. It was just 10PM. We decided to go to the new Ayala Mall, Marquee, for our dessert instead.

The first thing I noticed was the color-changing fountain. It was way awesome! I felt like a kid again. The water 'choreography' which involved color change and water spewing timing was just so fun! If only for this fountain, I'd go to Angeles City more often.

Of course, I have to have my photo with it!

Aling Lucing's Sisig

Pampanga is known for its delicious cuisine which inspired restaurants like Cabalen and Mangan, Kapampangan words for 'fellowmen' and 'eat' respectively. I lived in the province for eight years back in the 80's yet I was never able to taste Aling Lucing's sisig.

Last weekend was finally my chance. Aling Lucing's was once a small carinderia type stall along the forsaken railroad in Angeles City. The eatery has always been known for the origin of sisig, a dish made of chopped pig cheeks and ears. What was once a simple stall grew into a bigger establishment with two floors to hold the numerous customers that flock to taste original sisig.

The lines are long with people wanting their Aling Lucing's sisig. We were the lucky ones to get the last two servings. After hearing that, the people behind us decided to leave. Understandable because what's the point of eating there if not for the sisig.

The pork ears and cheeks are chopped finely then mixed with lots and lots of onion. I don't know what else they mix in. Outside the sizzling plates are placed on top of the grill. The plates are rubbed with margarine and the sisig is put there to cook.

It was a long wait for the sisig. The orders were just too many and the servers few. It took ages before the waiters were able to clear our table. Despite the service, people stay on to await the food. But it was well worth the wait. I was used to the crispy sisig of Gerry's Grill so it was a surprise that Aling Lucing's sisig was chewy. The margarine taste made the dish more delectable to the taste.

not a very good photo but it tastes better than it looks!

We also ordered chicken butts. Do not scoff this poultry body part because it is quite tasty. The sauce made it more delicious. Mmmm...

the last of the chicken butts. we were so hungry that i forgot to take a picture.

Have some Aling Lucing's sisig!!!

15th Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Valentine's weekend was spent in Angeles City to enjoy the 15th Hot Air Balloon Festival. It was something I have been wanting to go to for the past few years but I have been away from Manila for the past six years, it was hardly possible.

2010 is my finally my chance to enjoy the festival. A few friends and I took a road trip to Angeles City for this opportunity. Since we left Saturday afternoon there wasn't any thing to catch anymore so we decided to just hang out with friends living in Pampanga.

On Sunday, February 14, we woke up 5AM to get ready for the festival. Despite being early, it was not early enough. The traffic was already heavy by 6AM. It seems that even on the fourth day, people were still trying to catch the activities.

We could already see the inflated hot air balloons from a distance. I can't help but be excited!

There were interesting balloon-shapes including this beer balloon.

So there's my beer. Gimme!

Turtle, barn and well... regular hot air balloons.

Farmville. ;p

What made the festival more enjoyable was the commentator who provided regular annotation of the events. I've been to a few festivals which provided wonderful visual delights but I hardly have an idea what it is supposed to mean or signify. The emcee provided interesting trivia and information for the people attending.

One particular tidbit we got was why the hot air balloons were only released during early morning and late afternoon. The hot air in the balloon makes it lighter than the cool air outside it. Because of that, the warm afternoon temperature makes the air inside the balloon less light which makes it harder to fly. Thanks for that trivia, Mr. Emcee!

He also explained to the audience what stunts the light aircraft was about to do. An eight roll, a four roll and what have you. For me, it made it more fun to watch. :)

One event was light airplanes trying to water bomb a moving Pajero. Nope, none succeeded. I would suggest that they should first try aiming at it while it is stationary then when somebody hits it, that's when they start targeting it while moving. I think the audience will enjoy a good aim and will appreciate more the fact that moving targets are harder to hit. Just an idea. ;p

During the lull, families flew kites. It's more visually appealing than how my camera captures it.

Skydivers dropped from the sky. It's amazing how they are able to control their descent. At the background is Mt. Arayat.

The paragliders flew while the hot air balloons were being pumped for the night glow. I want to do that too!

We thought the hot air balloons would fly in the air but apparently they were to stay grounded. I'm not sure if it's because the wind was strong or whether it was meant to be that way. It was just beautiful when the flames fire up the balloons in contrast to the darkness of the night. At one point, the flares would fire to music. I would have wanted a long musical display, but it was enjoyable enough.

The day ended with the balloons fired up and fireworks in the distance. A nice way to end a long but enjoyable day.

thanks to risa for taking this photo. thanks R for the tripod.

Fingers crossed: Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival

I've been wanting to go to the Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival for many years now. However, living in Davao since 2003 makes it heavy on the budget.

This year, since I am back living in Manila, is my year to witness the festival. Close to almost manhandling my husband, I gently persuaded him to take me there. A couple of friends are going with us and we will be taking a car. Road trips are always fun, so this is bound to be one joy ride!

The schedule of activities can be found here.

Here's hoping the next post is about the festival itself. ;p