Sisigon, Matnog Chapel Restoration Update

Barangay Sisigon, Matnog, Sorsogon province- Philippines

 

newly painted chapel

It was a few weeks ago since i have posted an entry about Sisisgon Matnog Chapel Restoration and Dedication of a private chapel located within Sisigon , Matnog in the province of Sorsogon .

interior of the chapel

After a few days of repainting of the chapel  and changing of old galvanized roofs. The people within the vicinity with the help of the barangay electrification program installed a light outside and inside the chapel . Newly installed steel doors were already installed and painted white . Installation of light will also help passing motorists see their way around the curve highway .

bell

The chapel bell which was kept by one of the villagers was again brought back . It was tied on to a branch of a two decades -old mango tree.

Mr. Fronil G. Grefaldo and son of the mayor

group photo inside the chapel altar together with Ms. Marie Ubaldo ( wife of the mayor of Matnog )

Newly bought Catholic images from Tayuman , Santa Cruz , Manila . The icons were blessed by a local priest before these were enshrined inside the chapel .( Although the main icon was supposed to be Saint Jude Thaddeus . Instead, it was an image of Saint Joseph  )

group photo

The wife of the current mayor donated an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe with wooden case . With the newly repainted chapel and with the refurbishment , These deeply devoted people have a place to say their prayers.

devotees and guests leaving the chapel

After the short dedication , there was a simple snack serve in one of the houses . To those who helped in the repainting , cleaning and refurbishing of the chapel , We would like to ” Thank” everyone those who assisted . Maraming Salamat Po sa Inyong Lahat !

Note: The author was there at the site during the first few days of the repainting .

Sisigon Matnog Chapel : Restoration and Dedication

Barangay Sisigon, Matnog, Sorsogon province -Philippines

 

Sisigon – Matnog chapel circa July 1977 ( family photo archive)

This is a private chapel built within the property of my maternal grandparents . According to family records and accounts , the purpose of building a chapel is for the people within the area to visit at least everyday and on special occasions like fiesta , Christmas , new year or holy week. Even if this is in private land, there are people in nearby towns which would visit the chapel .

 

 Notice the straight cemented stairways leading to the main entrance in the 1970’s

There used to be a smaller chapel made of wood . The current chapel was built in the middle part of around May or June 1977 when my grandmother and aunts decided to have a small chapel built . They made some planning and a small portion of the property was allocated for worship since a big percentage of the people living in the place were Catholics.

 

inauguration of the chapel circa July 1977 – notice the young palm fronds used as decoration 

The nearest chapel is located several kilometers away and people would not have the convenience to walk  that far . The chapel is located on a sloping terrain with a curving road in which people can visibly see the chapel on ideal location.

 

inauguration  of the chapel

Local and foreign tourists would sometimes flock to the chapel for some photo opportunities , the location is a good vantage point for taking photos of scenic spots and coconut plantations.

 

chapel viewed from main road ( photo courtesy by : Mr. Raymond L. De Vera )

There was also light which illuminates the place and serves as guide for motorists visiting the port of Matnog ( which is just 4 barangays away ). One can climb comfortably at the chapel with its 29 staircase made from cement.

 

 chapel ( circa February 16, 2016 )

Materials were sourced locally like stones, gravel, sand , cement and galvanized roofing were added . Most of the benches and wooden beams were made from local hardwoods.   Since the chapel was made in the late 1970’s, no further improvement were made except for the cement stairs that were eroded due to heavy rains and erosion from the surrounding mountains  . The contractor decided to follow the natural contour of the land.  The curve cement stairways were later rebuilt in 1998 .

 

chapel interior

The main altar have 3 Santos ( saints) made from different materials, soft wood, hardwood and plaster of paris  . Based on the arrangement of the images. The chapel is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Salvación ( main altar ) other images included Santo Niño and Saint Jude Thaddeus . Unfortunately all the 3 statutes were in a very sorry state and the Nuestra Señora de Salvación wood image was eaten by termites! According to the caretaker, the chapel is dedicated to Saint Jude Thaddeus since there is also a chapel dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Salvación a few barangays away.

 

L-R Santo Niño , Nuestra Señora de Salvación and Saint Jude Thaddeus

There was a minor repair done in the early 1980’s due to strong typhoon which hit the place and no other restoration was done . Only the caretaker had kept the small bronze bell  and the chapel is only open a few times every year .

 

chapel with new iron door and being painted

It had been over 30 years since it was first restored and due to the recent typhoon which hit the area, some parts of the roofs are leaking, side entrance to the chapel and main  wooden door entrance of the chapel have either rotted away or eaten away by termites.

 

changing of old galvanized roofs and repainting ( photo courtesy : Mr. Raymond L. De Vera) 

When Typhoon Melor ( Bagyong Nona ) hit the province last year December 14, 2015 .  It also left portion of the chapel with roof leaking and badly needed some rehabilitation. We saw a lot of trees, coconuts and houses along the highway that were topped down due to the typhoon . Recovery is still on its way in many places.

 

repainting of the chapel

It started with the change of chapel door ( from wood to steel last January 2016 ) and then change in parts of the roof and repainting of the chapel ( both interior and exterior ) . The work within the chapel had already progress with the delivery of building materials last February 17 . The project time table is between 3 to 5 days and hopefully within this week, the project will be completed .

There are plans to install electric lights within the chapel and if all things goes well, the chapel will be fully furnish before the end of this week.

The wife of the mayor had pledge a divine mercy frame to the chapel and those who wanted to donate religious icons and images are gladly accepted.

Just email me at L_rence_2003@yahoo.com

Cellphone : 0928-6604819 SMART

Chedy’s Budbod Resto in Kingspoint Subdivision

Chedy’s Budbod Restaurant recently held their soft opening last February 11, 2020. This was just a month before the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was imposed on March 15, 2020.

For those unfamiliar with the term “Budbod“. It is a Tagalog word which is to sprinkle the viand on rice. Another term is to distribute or lay over the viand over rice. Budbod meal combination is common in many restaurants in Tanay, Rizal province.

Chedy’s Budbod restaurant facade along Katipunan Avenue

Tanay is popular go to place among sightseers, local tourists, motorcycle and car groups while visiting the town’s rugged landscape, river, pilgrim and heritage sites.

We would join several road trips organized by car club on a road trip to the province. Our group have eaten before budbod meals in Tanay, but this restaurant offers something different for city folks.

Chedy’s Budbod was named after the son of the proprietor. The place had a sitting capacity of between 40 to 50 customers at any given time with small parking area in front for motorcycles.

The Kingspoint subdivision restaurant is the first within Novaliches area. The seats were made from split bamboo, the tables are from ordinary wood, giving rustic ambiance to the place.

Chedy’s Budbod restaurant menu and prices ( subject to change without prior notice)

For those unfamiliar with the exact location, The place used to be a branch of Bypass Burger then an unlimited Samgyupsal restaurant before Chedy’s .

Chedy’s Budbod Restaurant Specialties

Chedy’s Budbod Liempo

Sizzling Sisig

Chicharon with vinegar

Pancit Canton and Bihon mix with fried pork liempo topping

We were quite surprised with the generous toppings of fried pork liempo and the amount of noodles – This only cost Php 150 per order and good for sharing between 4 to 6 people!

Celebrity Clientele and Customers

There is a growing list of customers since they had their soft opening this February. This list included Team Mio4 Philippines Novaboys, G Clown of Flip Flop, Gwapulis contestant among others.

Aside from their noodles, we like the way they marinate the beef tapa, longganisa and tocino. For those living near Kingspoint Subdivision, Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City. One must try to order from them.

Since the IATF guidelines, Dine-in is still not allowed, only take away.

( photo credit  from Chedy’s Budbod and the author)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Cheapestbudbodintown/

Address: Unit C, Lot 2 Block 37 King Henry corner  #60 Katipunan Avenue, Kingspoint Subdivision, Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City 

Operations : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ( TAKE OUT/ Delivery within Kingspoint Subdivision, San Pedro IX, Kasiyahan Homes, Goodwill Homes 1, Barangay San Bartolome)

Cellphone : Smart – 09213134475
Globe -09265562804

12 Well-Loved Dishes at Calle Real in Tanza, Cavite

Calle Real is one iconic restaurant in the old poblacion area of Tanza, Cavite province. It is at least 1 hour drive from Cavite City and one bus ride from PITX in Parañaque City in Metro Manila.

Calle Real is an art deco style architecture ancestral house built in the 1920’s. The house was then converted into a restaurant and venue place. Currently the restaurant had 4 branches within Tanza and Cavite province.The town is also known for notable historical events and Kaibigan Bakery.

ancestral house converted into a restaurant

Calle Real specializes on Spanish, Filipino, heirloom and contemporary dishes.

newspaper feature

It used to have a pastry restaurant on the second floor but the proprietors decided to focus their attention to the main restaurant.

signage and parking area

interior

The restaurant had a sitting capacity of between 70 to 80 with a special function room which can handle at least 100 person.

12 Well-Loved Dishes at Calle Real

The group was fortunate to met the proprietor of the restaurant. Although i met her several times before.

12.) Crunchy Pork Binagoongan – Deep fried pork cooked in bagoong paste ( Php 245 per order).

11.) Crispy Pata – The deep fried crispy pata comes with a dipping sauce with a combination of soy and vinegar with chopped chilies and onion.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uRgqiS659DkiJMJx9

10.) Tokwa Sisig– The tofu sisig had a combination of fried tofu, chopped cucumber and chopped onions. ( Php 160 per serving)

9.) Cheesy Beef Kaldereta– Another nice dish to try at the place is their version of beef kaldereta with bell pepper, carrots and well seasoned. The meat of the beef is tender and topped with cheese. Ideal for sharing between 2 to 3 persons. (Php 245 per order)

8.) Pork Sisig– This is another favorite dish at the restaurant. This is best paired with rice.

7.) Callos – Another nice dish, with with sliced olives, chorizo, garbanzos and chopped tomatoes. (Php 245 per order)

6.) Breaded Fried Chicken– Another well -loved dish which can be shared between 2 persons. This had a nice dipping sauce.

5.) Chicken Teriyaki with vegetables and rice- ala carte meal which can be ordered anytime of the day. (Php 140 per order)

4.) Calandracas/ Kalandracas – This is an heirloom dish which had sotanghon noodles, banana blossom, string beans,chopped eggplant or any vegetables seasoned with the famous patis de Tanza. Commonly served during funeral wakes in the province of Cavite.

Vegetables used in the noodle dish were normally given by visitors attending the wake. ( Php 170 per order) Can be shared between 3 to 5 persons.

3.) Sotanghon Negra- The sotanghon noodles dish is cooked with squid ink, squid, pork meat, carrots, cabbage, sugar peas/ chitsaro and topped with fried garlic.  (Php 260 per order) can be shared between 3 to 5 persons) Php 1,500 bilao ( 10 to 15 persons)

The town is in the coastal area of Cavite and squid is one of the popular seafood produce.

2.) Paella Jambalaya– The paella jambalaya consist of generous topping of mussels/ tahong,  green peas, chorizo, sugar pea/ chitsaro, bell pepper and hard boiled eggs.  ( Php 290 serves 2-4people, Php 950 serves 5 to 10 people, Php 1,150 serves 10 to 15 people) .

1.) Paella Negra – The paella had squid ink with toppings of bell pepper, squid,  pork meat, chorizo, sugar peas/ chitsaro. ( Php 320 serves 2 to 4 people, Php 1,050 serves 5 to 10 people, Php 1,600 serves 10 to 15 people). This is another well-loved dish of the restaurant.

The restaurant also have dishes good for small group and ala carte meals.  Other highly recommended dishes that are worth ordering are Pollo Frito, Lengua Con Cetas, Chicken ala Pastel.

Desserts

Churros with Chocolate

Another popular desserts of the restaurant was S’Mores with Skillet cost Php 120 per order and Churros at Php 60 and comes with thick chocolate.

group

Note: prices quoted are by the restaurant during the time of the visit.

Calle Real Restaurant

Address: 8 Sta. Cruz Street Brgy. Poblacion 2, Tanza, Cavite 4108

Branches: Puregold, Tanza / The Square, Lancaster/ Robinson- General Trias

Landline: (046) 505 2836

Operations: Daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Dining Experience at Billy Jacks Panciteria in Tuguegarao

Billy Jacks Panciteria is famous for their Pancit Batil Patung. This is one of the must dine restaurant when you are in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province. Is also favorite hang-out place for foreign tourists.

The panciteria is owned and managed by Mr. Billy Anchanzar Lim opened in 2014.

Pancit Batil Patung ordinary Php 80

Billy Jack’s Panciteria

Billy Jacks Panciteria interior

Billy Jacks Menu Board

Billy Jacks Panciteria sitting capacity is between 40 to 60 persons at any given time and it is always teeming with customers. We were lucky to visit this restaurant early mid-morning around past 10:00 am just before lunchtime.

Billy Jacks Panciteria

The vibe is mid -1970’s and 80’s with reggae/surfer atmosphere with poster of Bob Marley, surf, guitar with a lot of signatures from their customers and loyal clients.

signature and autograph from customers

Bob Marley photo collage

Pancit Batil-Patung

Pancit Batil-Patung (or patong) is the specialty of Tuguegarao city. Almost every carinderia, eatery or even in hotel serves this kind of noodle.

The name originated from Hookien and Ibanag languages- Pian e Sit- from Hookien-Chinese language “which means easy or convenient food”, “Batil “( to beat ) and “Patung” ( to put on top).iho

Before the 1970’s, Most of the pancit (noodles) serve in the province were miki, bihon guisado. It was in the early 1970’s when Theo’s Panciteria introduced this dish by adding carabao’s meat with poached egg. Triangle Panciteria offered this dish around 1972 and is one of the oldest known panciterias which still offers this well-loved noodle.

Out of the 160 or so panciterias in the province, Over 90 panciteria have sprung -up in the city. The city’s thus earn the nickname “Pancit Capital of Cagayan“.

Pancit Batil Patung with chorizo for Php 100

The noodle was introduced by the Chinese immigrants and was localized by using ingredients which are available in the region.

This is an all in one noodle dish which is heavy, the original version had a hand pulled miki noodles topped with sautéed minced carabao meat (carabeef/ karahay) with poached egg on accompanied with a cup of soup made from carabao beef stock complemented with another egg cracked and stirred in the soup.

It is also serve with chopped onions, chilies plus a dash of calamansi and vinegar to add taste.

The group ordered two kinds of pancit batil patung, the ordinary one and the one with chorizo. This is the first panciteria to offer pancit batil patung with balut.

Other popular variations of the pancit-batil patung at Billy Jack’s Panciteria comes by simply adding on some of the available toppings such as: balut,Tuguegarao longganisa, tapa, chorizo, sisig, chicharon bulaklak among others.

Visitors from Metro Manila and other places, specially returning college students after the semester break and summer break flock to the panciteria for some bouts of the famed pancit with their own variations of choice.

The restaurant is just few kilometer away and within 1 ride away from Hotel Carmelita.

Address: Buntun, Santiago- Tuguegarao road, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province

Operations: Mondays to Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm

Contact : (078) 304-1888/ 0975-363-5435