Perks of Traveling Solo

Perks of Traveling Solo

June 19, 2019 | Travel

Sabi nila, the more the merrier. But sometimes, that’s not always the case. Going solo can give you much happiness and fulfillment, too. Lalo na when you traveling alone, which has a lot of benefits and unexpected perks, mind you. So here are some of the advantages that might sway you in booking that idea of a YOLO-solo trip that’s been sitting pretty for way too long at the back of your mind.

Side A to Z, walang makakapansin.

Walang makakaalam na yung pantalon na sinuot mo ay umabot na sa kaduluduluhan ng alphabet. ‘Di nila mahahalata ‘yan. Tsaka you’ll never see most of the people you’ve met during your travel. Not unless, ahem, you left your heart to a local. Don’t get us wrong though. We’re not advising you to not bring an extra pair of pants. Diskartehan niyo na lang on when you want to repeat or switch.

The hotel room is all yours a la Kevin McCallister.

If you know or have watched Home Alone 2, gets na gets mo na yung experience na nakahanda sa’yo. Pero if you haven’t, sorry na lang. Just kidding. Imagine, you’re staying in a 5-star hotel room and all its amenities are waiting for you, just you. You’ll get to relax, reflect, and order room service without any interruptions. In short, you’ll have the luxury of doing whatever and whenever you please. *wink-wink*

More sights to see and more time to muni-muni.

With no one to follow but your own itinerary, pace, and instincts, you’ll have almost all the time in the world to experience the country you’re traveling in. Pwede kang magliwaliw sa daan, mag-hang out sa mga cool cafes, mag-shopping galore, at mag-indulge sa restaurants without anyone judging you. Ito pa, being a lone wolf in a big country also means you can escape uncomfortable situations without losing a limb. Although a travel buddy can help you a lot with that. But if you’re the crafty type who can pull-off smooth ninja moves, then you’re all good.

Hindi mo lang mahahanap ang sarili mo. You’ll get to know yourself better.

Malamang sa hindi, one of the major reasons why a person would consider traveling alone is to find oneself. Soul searching kumbaga. Kasi once you are out there on the road and on your own, you’ll be exposed to raw experiences. Those that will allow you to make decisions under duress, strengthen you to overcome your fears, and discover how much you are capable of. Daming sinabi. Just follow your heart and enjoy your alone time, ladies, and gents

Solo meals all day, every day.

Ito na ata ang pinakamasarap na perk, don’t you think? Walang ka-share, walang kaagaw, at walang ibang titikim kundi ikaw. Don’t get us wrong. We are strong advocates of sharing is caring foundation. Pero may mga bagay talaga na mas masarap ma-experience on your own. At ito ay ang kumain ng masarap na pagkain. Enough said.

Now, if you like going solo, then you’ll love Kuya J Solo Meals. You can enjoy Lumpia Frito and Pancit Canton for only P189, Crispy Bangus a la Pobre and Pinakbet for only P209, Kuya J Roast Chicken with Rice and Pancit Canton for only P239, Sizzling Sisig and Pancit Canton for only P249, Pork BBQ and Chopsuey for only P229 and last but not the least, Beef Pares and Pancit Canton for only P249. Best of all, they are available all weekdays.

What type of traveller are you?

What type of traveller are you?

July 24, 2018 | Travel

People travel for various reasons. Some hit the road for new experiences, while others just want to take a breather away from their taxing 9 to 5. With that, we ask you: what are your travel goals? Answer this short quiz to know what type of traveller you are:

Why do you travel?
a. I’m after the adrenalin rush.
b. The Hawaiians have this concept called Ho’oponopono which helps them manage anger. I’d like to learn about that.
c. I’d like to test and develop my Photography skills.
d. I’d like to know how a fried tarantula tastes like.
e. I’d like to learn about stress-relieving techniques straight from the monks.

What do you prefer visiting?
a. Do you know a place where they could let me swim with great white sharks?
b. I’ve always felt the best when I’m around books. I’d like to visit the worlds largest libraries.
c. Anywhere that has Insta-worthy sights and dishes.
d. Ancient ruins! I find it fascinating how a cluster of architectural greats once held societies that brimmed with life and culture.
e. I’m renting a yacht to find my own island. Bye!

What activities do you want to do?
a. Bungee jumping, off-road biking.
b. When I travel, I make it a point to go to residential areas to get to know the people.
c. I star gaze.. through the lens. Sayang ‘pag di nakuhanan!
d. Science museum hopping sounds fun.
e. Are you familiar with Spain’s napping championship? I’d love to join that.


If you got mostly As…
The dare devil
The dare devil has a hunger for anything extreme. Maning mani sa kanila ang 30-foot cliff jumps at skydiving.

If you got mostly Bs…
The self-refiner
Self-refiners travel to learn more about themselves. When they travel, they make sure to get to know the locals and absorb new perspectives to develop their own world-view.

If you got mostly Cs…
The capturer
The capturer spends most of his travel time with his phone or cam. He travels to “capture great moments” but fails to live in the moment. Buti na lang, bawing bawi sa Instagram feed kasi malupit sila kumuha ng photos.

If you got mostly Ds…
The learner
The learner is in for anything exotic and exciting. He collects new ideas and facts along the way kaya sila yung madalas na madaming trivia. Walking encyclopedia.

If you got mostly Es…
The istokwa
The istokwa is the living equivalent of the word “stress”. Ito yung mga nag-iipon ng sick leaves at offsets at ididikit sa holidays para sagad sa pahinga. Preferred locations are famed massage spas, temples, and yoga hubs.

Jeepney Diaries

Jeepney Diaries

July 23, 2018 | Travel

Did you know that the average Filipino spends 60% of his day commuting?

We just made that up but the commute is really an indispensable part of living in Manila. Buti na lang, sa dami ng oras na ginugugol natin sa daan, siguradong marami din tayong napupulot na aral.. at katatawanan.

We did a short survey (umikot lang talaga kami sa office at nagtanong tanong) asking people about their funniest commute story and here are what we’ve garnered.

Masunuring bata
I was going to this mall and at that time all I can rely on are instructions from my friends. I fell asleep on the bus and nalagpasan ko yung bababaan ko so kinailangan ko ulit magtanong tanong. As soon as I reached the jeepney terminal, I asked manong driver: “Manong, dito po ba yung papuntang Marikina?” He motioned to the north and said “lakad ka na lang, hijo.” Ako ‘tong si masunurin, naglakad naman ako pa-north. After 30 minutes of walking northbound, I saw the mall to my right, contrary to what manong driver said. Kala ko diretso lang? Then, as I saw his jeepney catching up. He looks at me puzzled, and shouts “Diyan, sa kanan, tahakin mo lang yan.” That’s when I realized I misheard him and what he was really trying to say was “Oo, hijo. Lakad ka lang ng onti pagbaba.”

Awkward
Nung college, araw-araw akong sumasakay sa jeep. Favorite spot ko yung sa likuran ng driver kasi doon, hindi ko na kailangang mag-abot ng bayad ng iba. Abot naman na ni manong, kaya tuloy-tuloy lang akong nakakapag-basa. One time, wala akong choice kundi umupo dun sa second nearest. And it was only that time that I realized that’s the worst part to be seated in.

It’s too near to the driver but beyond that, it’s hardly an arm’s length from the driver. So, kung nandun ka, kampante ka na maiaabot din nung katabi mo yung bayad niya. You let her extend her arm fully, ngunit ito’y magkukulang. She repeats “ma, bayad po!” while giving you a sullen glance. *Insert awkwardness* Now, you decide to help her but just before your hand reaches her hand, bigla na lang kukunin ni manong yung bayad. Hala. Ganyanan? Sige. *Insert more awkwardness*

Grammar lecture sa jeep
One night, habang pauwi ako from work, may nakasabay akong ale. First time niya lang sa lugar na ‘yun, so he asked me “Anak, pa-Antipolo ba ‘to?” I said yes and she went on to sit in the middle. Patok music started to play and the jeepney took off.

“Manong, magkano po Antipolo?” she asked the driver. “Mahal po ang Antipolo. Pero 8 pesos po papunta doon.” the driver lampooned. I assumed the old lady didn’t hear that through the ear-splitting beats of patok, but she let out a chuckle and paid.

Bored? Get a surfboard!

Bored? Get a surfboard!

April 5, 2018 | Travel


For an archipelagic country like ours, beautiful shores and beaches and crystal clear waters are common sight. Pair that with great big waves from the Pacific, and what you get are world-class surfing spots.

San Juan, La Union

Just 3 hours away from Manila, La Union is the perfect place to get some surfing exp! It houses some of the most famous surf schools in the country and it also has spots for newbies.

San Narciso, Zambales

Zambales is known for its long shoreline of shallow black sand so you don’t have to worry about crashing to the shore when you get wiped up by 3-foot-tall waves.

Puraran, Catanduanes

Once you get a little comfy on the surf board, try the majestic waves of the Puraran Beach in Catanduanes. It’s known for its fast, hollowed barrels so bring your action cam take those awesome shots!

Aurora, Baler

The birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. It all started when a film crew, who were shooting surfing scenes in Aurora that time, left behind some surf boards. Surfing season in Baler is from September to April but the best waves come between January and March.

Siargao

Being the 8th best surfing spot in the planet, Siargao is really a thing of beauty. Its most popular waves are found in General Luna, which is also known as “Cloud 9”. Said waves can reach up to 7 feet so we suggest conquering the first four before braving the Siargao waves!

Plan your weekends and say aloha to a fun-filled summer! And don’t forget to share your first surfing experiences with us at facebook.com/KuyaJResto.

The Adventures of a Filipino Spartan

The Adventures of a Filipino Spartan

February 13, 2018 | Travel

Alarm goes off at 5:00 AM. Still tired from yesterday’s work, you hit snooze. You do the same to the next two alarms set 5 minutes apart. You check FB and absorb your daily share of ridiculous, face-palm inducing news, and leave a “good morning” message to your dear. Realizing that it’s Thursday and you have 7 more articles for the week, you jump out of bed to get ready for work.

You grab two Pandesals, na ngunguyain mo habang naliligo. You brush your teeth while you button up with the other hand. You leave at exactly 5:35 AM. Bibilisan mo yung lakad mo para mauna sa pila sa tricycle terminal and you end up on the second line of the zigzag instead of the fifth. Your reward: nasisilungan ka ng waiting shed.

Nakasakay ka na. Masikip. Buti na lang hindi pa traffic dito kaya pikit-mata mong nilasap yung hangin. At ngumingisi ka na lang habang nag shi-shift gear si Kuya dahil feeling mo nag-number 3 na yung electric fan.

Bitin ang aliw na hatid ng tricycle ride dahil umabot na nang ilang kanto yung pila sa MRT. You pull your payong and pamaypay out of the bag like a Samurai draws his katana from the scabbard. You mastered this technique in the daily commute.

Isang oras na pila. Mabagal, mainit, malagkit. Unahan dito, unahan doon. The train arrives and a Rugby match begins. You box out, securing your space, standing in an awkward position. Luckily, you found a new source of aliw dahil pagbaba mo ng MRT, kaya mo nang sulatan ng biography yung dalawang aleng katabi mo. At yung mga kapitbahay nila.

“Kasya pa, siyaman yan!” someone barks. You entered the jeep and ducked to dodge the light bulb ‘cos you’ve already been victimized by it too many times. That’s how experienced a commuter you are. “Tatlo na lang, tatakbo na!” the barker shouts, kahit kasing sikip na ng skinny jeans ng emo bands sa loob ng jeep. You endured the jeepney ride half-cheeked. (Yes, half-cheeked, so if we add x and y times the gravity of the earth divided by 32 joules per second, that’s only one-fourth of your sitting parts.)

You arrive at the office smiling like a marathoner in a podium win and finally, you clock in at 9:10 AM.

Reward yourself with a cup of coffee and the cold breeze of the AC, Filipino Spartans! And don’t forget to share your stories with us at facebook.com/KuyaJRestaurant.

Bizarre Festivals in the Philippines

Bizarre Festivals in the Philippines

May 12, 2017 | Travel

There’s no denying that we, Filipinos, love to celebrate. We love it so much that we even find reasons or make up ways just to put up a fun occasion. So don’t be surprised if we have fiestas that are worthy of a Ripley’s Believe it Or Not episode. With that, we’ve rundown some of our most bizarre fiestas that you may want to join, if ever you’re interested.

1. Parada ng Lechon

‘Pag may piyesta, may lechon. Pero sa Balayan, Batangas, ang piyesta doon ay lechon.

The Parada ng Lechon is held every 24th of June. It is also a commemoration of St. John the Baptist but with hundreds of roasted pigs parading the streets. Many of them are decorated in creative costumes, while some have had the heads removed and placed on mannequins.

Pero don’t worry. No lechons were put to waste because after the parade, all of the lechons are brought to the local church to be blessed and distributed to the public afterwards. Oh alam na ha. Save the date.

2. Aswang Festival

While some millennials fancy good-looking (or sparkling) vampires, nothing beats our very own drop dead gorgeous Aswangs, the most famous mythical creature in the Philippines. If you’re not convinced, you can visit Roxas City, Capiz in October and see for yourself.

The unique festival started in 2004. It aims to change people’s perception of Capiz as the home of these beautiful yet dangerous creatures by using them as a tourist attraction with people parading in aswang costumes.

Unfortunately, the festival was short-lived. It had to be shut down just three years later, fearing that the festival could sway people towards evil. KJ ba?

3. Taong Putik Festival

Just to be clear, malaki ang pagkakaiba ng taong putik sa taong grasa. The latter is what you usually see in the streets of Manila covered in dirt. While the former is what you’ll see in the streets of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija covered in mud, vines, and banana leaves during the feast day of St. John the Baptist.

So ang tanong, bakit nila ginagawa yun? The tradition was said to have begun during the World War II, when the Japanese were about to execute all male residents as revenge. But just as the execution was about to start, umulan ng malakas. And the Japanese took it as an ominous sign, so ‘di na nila tinuloy. And they just set the prisoners free.

The villagers then attributed the miracle to St. John the Baptist and celebrated by rolling in the mud. Since then, the residents celebrated the day in such muddy fashion.

4. Baliw-Baliw Festival

True to its name, this festival is cray-cray in a lot of ways. It includes people carrying phallic symbols and cross-dressing men who simulate giving birth in the sea. But the most kabaliw-baliw of all is the selling of (pasintabi po sa kumakain) cow poop topped with ketchup. Weird, ‘no?

Heto pa, based on hearsay, this crazy festival has been celebrated since the 18th century to help the townsfolk cope with the madness of life. Well, as they say, you fight fire with fire. But in this case, you fight madness with more insanity.

5. Lukayo Festival

From one crazy festival to another, the Lukayo festival is actually a play on the words “loka-loka kayo”. The crazy difference of this outrageous festival from Baliw-Baliw is it’s for women. And the tradition is said to increase the likelihood of a couple to bear children. So ano’ng crazy doon, you might ask?

For one, women of all ages would dress up while waving around wooden phalluses, eggplants, or other things that could depict the male sexual organ. Ang mas nakakaloka pa diyan, they then sing innuendo-filled songs while parading the streets. Ayan.

Though this festival appear scandalous, according to Filipino anthropologist and National Artist Ramon Obusan, the ritual symbolizes the power of women against male domination by satirizing the phallus, which is often considered as the male symbol of power.

Now that you know our bizarre festivals, which ones are you most likely to join? If you ask us, it’s the Parada ng Lechon. Heck, we might start or our very own later. Game?