Giligan's Restaurant Naga

Giligan's Restaurant SOON TO OPEN!

Gerry's Grill Naga has now transferred to Magsaysay Avenue. Click Here for photos.

Read More

RJMC Grand Hotel

Another new hotel along Almeda Highway, RJMC Grand Hotel

This is beside Lendes Tourist Inn and Gas Station

Read More

2013 Top 25 Taxpayer Business Tax - Local Corporation in Naga City

More power to these companies!

2013 Top 25 Taxpayer Business Tax - Local Corporation

1. South Star Drug, Inc.
2. Bigg's Incorporated
3. Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative II
4. Libertad Consumers Corporation
5. LaConcepcion Commercial Corporation
6. Stretch Distribution, Inc.
7. Graceland Food Industries
8. Bonheur Marketing Crop.
9. Robiedo, Inc.
10. Excelsure Marketing Corporation
11. Nagaland Development Corporation
12. Lisam Enterprise Inc.
13. Concepcion Grande Development Inc.
14. Graceland Food Indusries
15. Licomcen, Inc.
16. Naga RITS Corporation
17. Golden 7 Holdings Corporation
18. Multi-Ware Econ-Sales Corp.
19. Isarog Gaming Corporation
20. RT Montana Distribution Corp.
21. Iriga Joe Motors Corporation
22. Easystride Inc. - Franchiesee
23. JY Brother's Marketing Corporation
24. Graceland Food Industries Inc.
25. New Site Estate & Realty Dev't. Corp

Read More

The Tallest and Biggest Burger in Bicol?

Let's do a little #TBT of Bigg's Diners burgers.

Classic Burger, Cheesy Burger, Bacon Cheese Burger (my favorite), Bigg's Extreme Supreme Burgers and now the Bigg's Tower Burger. Did I miss any?

At present, the crown goes to Bigg's Tower Burger. Can we claim that the Bigg's Tower Burger is the tallest and biggest burger in Bicol? Let's explore more, maybe there are still others.

Want to know more about the Bigg's Tower Burger and new products of Bigg's Diner? CLICK HERE

Bigg's Extreme Supreme Burger

Photo by http://camsurstaystray.blogspot.com

This photo of Bigg's Diner is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Image Courtesy of https://mariawenttotown.wordpress.com/2

Cheese Burger

This photo of Bigg's Diner is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Once upon a time, almost 4 years ago, the crown belongs to Miguel Angelo's Whatta Burger located at Cereza. It was the biggest in terms of diameter. They even had a contest that if you finish eating the burger in 4 minutes, it is free and you'll get another 50% off on your next order. How about Bigg's Tower Burger eating contest or any similar event? I think Bigg's Diner can also pull this off, they're one the best brands in Bicol in the food industry.

CLICK HERE  for a #TBT post of Whatta Burger.

Hello to the Linao Family!! From us at Skyscrapercity Thread

Read More

Bigg's Tower Burger

If #TBT is only every Thrusdays, Bigg's Diner has a #BTB every day, all day, all the time. #BTB stands for Bigg's Tower Burger. It is not just an ordinary burger because it's the newest, biggest and tallest burger of Bigg's Diner or perhaps than any other stores in the Bicol Region. 

The first thing that you will ask yourself is "How will I eat this?", it's almost as tall as the glass! Go on, take your time, make the necessary reactions or have a "selfie" with the burger. I'm pretty sure you yourself will be in awe once you order the BTB. It will be actually nice to video the reactions of the customers especially during the first few days. =D 

How much? Only P280.00. 

Eating the BTB was also a courageous move on my part, because I am someone who has a small compartment in my tummy. Nevertheless, the challenge was on. Looking at the burger, the BTB is already good for two people but of course it can be consumed by only one. Now what are in between those burger buns, take a look at the anatomy of the burger doodled by Pen Pestrado. 

Photo by Sir Carlo Buenaflor  and Artwork by Pen Pestrado

The burger is actually like a talking protein right in front of you so let's look into scenario on how to consume this burger.

Scenario 1: You're not that hungry but you want to eat a full meal. You will need a little mind conditioning on this. Consider the BTB as two or three viands and not us one large serving. Slice the burger in two and lay the ingredients down. Chunk down the idea that it's too big and too many like how you chunk the ingredients down piece by piece. Do whatever you're comfortable with. Oh btw, you can ask for a plate just in case you're space of the board is not enough for you. Take your time in eating do not hasten up. Do not drink too much liquid or else you'll get easily stuffed. 

Scenario 2: Go to any Bigg's Diner outlet HUNGRY. As in SUPER HUNGRY. Consuming the burger on your own will never be problem. 

Scenario 3: Bring a date. Eat out with your family or friends. Share the BTB if you're not sure you can consume it all.

The patties and the rest of the meat are not overpowering, not too salty and not too blunt. The garlic mayonnaise is a perfect dressing or you can also opt to use the mustard which also perfectly blend with the taste of the ingredients. Forget the calories for a while because as a Bicolano you must be able to experience the flagship of the Bigger Better Bigg's. 

Introducing the Mello Jello in funky flavors of summer. Cool and groovy name and refreshing colors to the eye. The straws are even environment friendly, they're paper straws. 

Perfect for summer!

The Mello Jello is comparable to an Italian Soda but with a jello on the bottom. 

BTB with the Mello Jello, Psychedlic Cherry

Also available are  the Bigg's Sultry Summer Coolers available in four flavors.

But wait, there's more! Your summer will be bigger and better with Bigg's because of this..

Let's go to Boracay!!!

So what are you waiting for, head on to any Bigg's Diner outlet and try the new goodies starting April 15. It's payday!! =D.

Our next post is a throwback Thursday post dedicated to the first "Biggest" burger in Naga City before the Bigg's Tower Burger, the Whatta Burger. Naguenos, does it ring a bell? CLICK HERE to read more.

Enjoy the BTB for only Ph 280.00.

Thank you so much to the very enthusiastic and awesome couple Sir Carlo and Ma'am Rica Buenaflor and to the marketing team of Bigg's Diner. The initiative to gather up Bicolano bloggers in one room was something I was really looking forward to after so many years in blogging. I have been always envious with fellow Bicolano bloggers based in Manila whenever they have bloggers' events  and the like. But now? I can say that we are on the right track. Hats off as well to my new friends, my fellow Bicolano bloggers. I'm so glad to be with people who talks the same language as mine. 

High five for Bigg's Diner for making the move  here in Naga and Bicol! You have lived up to the previous program that you also initiated, truly the Best of Bicol #BoB. Dios Mabalos po!

Read More

Gerry's Grill at Magsaysay

The Gerry's Grill at SM City Naga will soon be transferring here at Magsaysay Avenue at the Piazza together with Soledad, Okuya, Bigg's and Starbucks. The old Gerry's Grill will now be occupied by Giligan's Restaurant.

On this page you will see photo updates of the new location of Gerry's Grill.

Photo by oragon.com

Read More

Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Daet

Last April 4, 2014 I was privileged to go on a Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Daet with my fellow professors. Every person's first job will always be memorable right? Fresh from college, Daet was my first work place. Daet is a town and was quite left behind when the Quirino Highway (now Maharlika Highway) by-passed them. But today, there are recent developments in terms of investments and infrastructures. Apart from these developments, Camarines Norte is home to 400 year old churches which makes it perfect to go on a pilgrimage.

Click on the image to enlarge

An overview of the trip using Google Map

A. Naga City (Starting Point)

B. Saint John the Baptist Parish, Daet

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Daet

C. Saint John the Apostle, Vinzons

D. St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, Capalonga

* E. Our Lady of Candelaria, Paracale

* Supposedly in our itinerary, but the bus that we rented unfortunately had clutch problems.

Now what exactly is a pilgrimage? Here's a few reminder for those who will go on a Pilgrimage this Lenten Season. We were given a material from the Reverend who toured us around the Diocese. 


What is a Pilgrimage? It is a religious journey: a journey to a holy place, undertaken for religious reasons.
What is it not? It is not an educational tour, it is not a party and it is not a picnic.

Objectives of the Lenten Pilgrimage: To have prayerful journey in unity of the sufferings of Christ and to reflect on the sufferings of Christ. 

It is advisable to leave Naga City as early as possible if you want to visit at least 4 significant parishes / churches in Camarines Norte. Travel time from Naga to Daet is maximum of 2 hours. There are five big parishes in the Diocese of Daet and the first one that we visited is the St. John Baptist Parish just right in front of Cam Norte's capitol.

Old folks say that if it's your first time to visit a church, you can make a wish.

St. John the Baptist Parish

 We also visited Bagasbas. But then we just had to look at the beach because surfing was not the reason why we came here.

Off we went to Vinzons Camarines Norte to see the remains of the 400 year old church that was destroyed by a four-hour razing fire after Christmas Day last 2012. Click Here to see a related news.

Travel time from Daet to Vinzons is around 30 to 40 minutes. 

The bell fry and the walls are the ones left standing. As you can see, construction is underway. Notice the front facade of the church? It was beautifully restored. This is probably the most "successful" restoration of an old church (400-year-old) that I've ever seen. I have seen many others that were repainted that eventually destroyed the original look. I might be wrong to say that, but looking at what they did to the Saint Peter the Apostle Church, why can't they do it the same way to the others? Perhaps it's a case to case basis? Now I rest my case, and leave that to the experts.

St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Vinzons, Camarines Norte

This was how it looked liked before the fire incident.

See the marvelous and intricate details?

Only the walls of the church remained. 

According to the parish priest, the strength of the wall was only decreased by 10%.  Now these walls are really strong to survive a massive fire. Experts assessed the remaining structure and planned carefully how to restore and rebuild the church. So it took more than a year to start the reconstruction. Donations to the parish are welcome.

Privileged to have this. Not an ordinary crucifix.

The wood used to make the crucifix is a remnant of the 400-year-old church. The parish priest decided to put a good use on the lumber that were damaged by the 4-hour fire last December 2012. Isn't it amazing? There's still something good after life has given the parish an equally sad and unfortunate event. What's even more amazing is that the parish priest also gives the same crucifix to the families of Vinzons during home visitation. I'm privileged to have a part of the 400-year-old church.

We went back to Daet to take our lunch and at the same time visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Holy Trinity Cathedral's altar.

Below this crown is actually an air-conditioned chapel and has a pretty modern design compared to the other churches.

The chapel is circular in shape, thus the crown on top.

The onyx is the only stone where light can pass through it and according to Bishop Garcera this is rare in the Ph.

The most beautiful sacristy I've ever seen. According to Bishop Garcera, the sacristy if not just for the priests and the lay people, but for everyone. Thus we were able to take a good luck around.

a different angle of the sacristy

Inside the chapel and on the walls are infos about 7 saints with a prayer and a relic? above on each.

Next destination is Capalonga. Daet to Capalonga is again 2 hours to travel.

The road is 90% concrete. Enjoy the view!

Once you see the water, then you are near.

The Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Black Nazarene of Capalonga is also famous next to the one in Quiapo.

St. Lucy Virgin and Martyr and the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus of Black Nazarene of Capalonga

The patron saint of the parish is actually St. Lucy but the Black Nazarene is more famous. Because of that, the Diocese of Daet wanted that the people should also not forget who the patron saint is and so they decided to have the image of the Black Nazarene be transferred to a new place. Where? Seaside, somewhere near this area (photo on the left). The shrine will have a "Kamay ni Hesus" sort of look and construction is on going. 

Inside the church

Once you go out of the church, it's actually the main street of the town already.

After visiting the image of the Black Nazarene, there is a Chinese Temple at the back next to the church.  

Tip: Below is an oil being sold  as one of the souvenirs available at the parish office. During our visit, the prepared bottles were easily sold out. So we had to wait for the staff to refill the small bottles. The waiting time will consume a lot of your time. So if you are interested, better buy first or have them reserved especially if stocks are all sold out. What's the oil for? Others use it for massage especially if a person is sick, every Catholic would know why. You can also use the same oil for your blessed images. The smell is actually the same with that of Ina's manto or any other saint. 

P5.00 per bottle with pieces of cloth same as that of the Black Nazarene's. Now you know why it's easily sold out.

The Chinese Catholic Temple is a very interesting place to visit.

The people in maroon polo shirt will guide you do a Chinese ritual. Now don't worry, they will guide you all the way. 

PRAY. Start by getting three incense and light all of them. Make sure you light all of them. Once your incense is safely burning, hold the sticks between your palms and against your forehead, face the altar and start praying. Chinese folks would say that it is important that you hold the incense high up against your head, and not at the chest height or lower. After praying, bow three times and then put it in the big jar full of ashes of the incense. 

WISH. The next ritual is common in the world of Chinese fortune telling. Get the half-crescent-shaped block (in red) from the plate, make sure that you get the right pair. Shake them in your palms and make a wish, then toss it on the floor. If you get a one side flat and the other piece curved, you get a YES for your wish. If it's both flat or both curved it's a NO for your wish. You have an option to make another wish, but personally I would only ask for one wish which will make it more meaningful. Which I did and yes I got a YES. Wait, it's not over yet! 

Shake the cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. The fortune bamboo sticks has a number written on it. Remember the number of the first stick that has fallen out of the cylinder. The stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number. It would be nice if you know someone who can translate or read the paper because it's written in Chinese. 

Safety First. If not because of the clutch problem, we could have still visited the 400-year-old image of Our Lady of Candelaria in Paracale. From Capalonga to Paracale it would be at least another 1 hour travel time. 

 I simply love the feeling of being in a place that you have first step on to for the first time, I mean, who does not? Since we missed one town, it means I still have a reason to go back to Cam Norte particularly Paracale, the land of the gold. To make things a little interesting, IF my wish comes true, I will really go back to Capalonga. But then, that wish isn't really the main reason why I will go back. I will go back if I will have a chance  and not because of the wish of course. I am asking for something why would I ask Him to give it to me first before I show reverence to Him right? It's a matter of faith. 

We arrived Naga by 10 o'clock in the evening, I did not complain, because it was a very meaningful journey. From first time to visit churches, a 400 year old piece of wood in my hands, a little treat from the very kind Bishop (thank you so much for that personalized welcome gift) scenic seaside view, mountain ranges, and Chinese fortune telling, who could ask for more? Thank you Diocese of Daet, for giving me a chance again to appreciate more what I already have and what I do not. 'Till we meet again. 

*Note: I would try my best to feature one of my favorite restaurants in Daet. 

Read More