Showing posts with label Bohol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bohol. Show all posts

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Restaurant Review: Green Thumb Alfresco Resto (Corella, Bohol)

 

Green Thumbs Alfresco Resto

Green Thumb Alfresco Resto, the in-house restaurant of Green Thumb Farm in Corella, Bohol, was officially opened on April 8, 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as it was an easy way to use the farm’s harvest since sales was down due to reduced boat trips to Cebu.  

Pink Oyster Mushrooms

The farm, owned by power couple Jares Denque and Rona M. Denque (the “Mushroom Queen” of Bohol), is passionate about delivering healthy foods, supplying organically grown fresh oyster mushrooms (gray, white, black, yellow and pink) and fresh and unique, high quality processed mushroom products for chefs of top hotels and restaurants in Bohol and Cebu. 

Check out “Green Thumb Farm

 

The newly built Ganoderma Hall

This newly opened and unique outdoor dining venue is known for its delicious, freshly cooked, mushroom-based vegan dishes, with no meat (pork or beef) of any sort included in their daintily crafted menu that recreates a variety of Filipino classic dishes with oyster mushrooms picked straight from the farm.  

Typical merienda fare: mushroom sisig, 3 slices of pizzas, mushroom siomai
and a glass of Corella Ube Smoothie

A fine dining connoisseur could easily be fooled to think that there were meat dishes.  However, their almost all-mushroom, extensive, farm-to-table menu does include delicious Chicken Hinaling, organically grown native chicken, slow cooked with chili, lemon grass and coconut milk.

 

Mushroom Sisig - a bestseller

The fare we partook at the newly constructed Ganoderma Hall was delicious.  The Mushroom Sisig, its cooking preparation demonstrated to us earlier, is one of Green Thumb’s most popular dishes.  Seasoned with calamansi, onions and pepper, it had a texture and taste that really resembled that of pork. Healthy and delicious without the guilt.

 

Mushroom siomai

The tasty and healthy Mushroom Burger, with spices to wake up my palate, had the meaty flavor and texture of beef with no coloring and preservatives added.  We also tried out their Mushroom Siomai (in mushroom chili paste sauce); deep fried, crispy, cholesterol-free Mushroom Chicharon; and slices of sinfully delicious, thin-crust Mushroom Pizzas (Greek, tocino and bacon), washing it all down with a Corella Ube Smoothie – a delicious purple yam milkshake made from a local fragrant variety of ube called kinampay.  

 

Mushroom Tocino Pizza

Mushroom Bacon Pizza

Later on, I had a cup of Ganoderma Coffee, the farm’s special blend of premium, rich and aromatic coffee beans with chemical-free, health-boosting ganoderma delightfully packed in a teabag.  I also sampled their Milk Chocolate with Mushroom Bits.

 

Mushroom Greek Pizza

The restaurant is an ideal venue for special occasions and conferences.  You can also dine on the farm’s lawn, where diners can sit or squat on banig Romblon mats that are spread out on the ground, with wooden pallets set in the center to serve as the table.  They also have a shed for a more formal idea of dining.

 

Mushroom Burgers

Other mushroom-based fare served in their menu is Mushroom Kare-Kare, a Filipino stew complemented by a thick, rich peanut sauce from curd and curry, with grey mushrooms substituting for the oxtail, and mushroom bagoong. 

 

Mushroom Chicharon

They also serve Mushroom Humba (a popular Visayan dish of tenderized meat in soy and vinegar), Mushroom Dinakdakan; the extra crispy Mushroom Bulaklak (best paired with spicy vinegar); Mushroom Steak (made with sautéed mushrooms, herbs and steak sauce); Mushroom Bicol Express; cheesy, mouth watering Mushroom Taco; Mushrroom Tempura (Japanese-style, fried white oyster mushroom served with Japanese tempura sauce); Ginataang Mushroom;  Mushroom Nachos; Mushroom Gambas; Mushroom Pasta (Carbonara, Aglio Olio, Al Funghi, etc.); Mushroom Quesadilla; Mushroom Clubhouse sandwich; Adobong Kangkong; Mushroom Kinilaw; Mushroom Adobo; Mushroom Bacon Tuna Sandwich; Mushroom Salad and, of course, Mushroom Soup.

 

Picnic area

Aside from the Corella Ube Smoothie, they also serve Pineapple Calamansi Blue Ternate, Coconut Sprout Watermelon Smoothie, Mango Smoothie, Mushroom Banana Chocolate Smoothie; Bluepea Pineapple Lemon Juice, Roselle Juice and CappucinoFor dessert, there’s Corella Buko Fruitas

 

Outdoor dining cubicle


Green Thumb Alfresco Resto: Green Thumbs Farm, Purok 4, Brgy. Sambog, Corella 6300, Bohol. Mobile number: (0917) 543-9700. E-mail: gthumbfarm@gmail.com. Website: www.greenthumbfarmbohol.com.  The Al Fresco Restauarant is open weekends, from 2 to 9 PM. 

Bohol Provincial Tourism Office: G/F, New Provincial Capitol Bldg., C. Marapao St, Tagbilaran City, 6300.  Tel: (038) 411 3666.  Email: inquire@boholtourismph.com.  Website: www.bohol.ph. 

Department of Tourism Regional Office VII:  G/F, L.D.M Building, Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 254 6650 and(032) 254 2811. E-mail: dotregion7@gmail.com.  Website: dot7@tourism.gov.ph. 

Bluewater Panglao Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Mobile numbers: (0998) 843-0262, (0998) 964-1868 (Ms. Margie Munsayac - VP-Sales and Marketing), (0998) 962-8277 (Ms. Louee Garcia), (0919) 912-9663 (Mr. Manuel Sandagaon) and (0908) 890-9013 (Ms. Kate Biol).   Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph, resrvations.panglao@bluwater.com.phmargie.munsayac@bluewater.com.phlouee.garcia@bluewater.com.ph, manuel.sandagon@bluewater.com.ph and kate.biol@bluwater.com.ph.  Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391. 

Cebu Pacific Air currently flies seven times daily from Manila and thrice weekly from Davao City (every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bohol’s Panglao International Airport.  Visist www.cebupacificair.com to learn about their latest offerings, safety protocols and travel reminders.

Tuesday, 9 February 2021

The Balik sa Bohol Online Sale Media Launch

 

Balik sa Bohol Online Sale

In an effort to jumpstart the economy of Bohol via the re-start of the tourism industry (one of the leading economic drivers of the province), the province was opened to leisure tourists on December 15, 2020.  In this regard, the ‘Balik sa Bohol’ program, to be held from February 21 to March 14, 2021, was initiated to jumpstart tourist arrivals and, consequently, help tourism workers get back on their feet. 

This tourism program, which aims to boost interest among free and independent travelers (FIT) to visit Bohol, features an online sale on tourism accommodation and packages up to 70%. The ‘Balik sa Bohol’ program was launched by inviting the media in a virtual meeting held on February 10, 2021, Wednesday, 2 PM. 

The Media Launch started with welcome remarks by Ms. Margie Munsayac (VP-Sales and Marketing of Bluewater Resorts) and messages from Ms. Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones (COO - Tourism Promotions Board), Mr. Shalimar Hofer Tamano (DOT Region VII Director), Mayor Leonila Montero (Panglao mayor) and Gov. Arthur Yap (Bohol governor).  

A Balik sa Bohol Online Sales video, Cebu Pacific Air video and TBP's Safe Trip Pinas video was also presented.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of the Department of Tourism.  This was followed by a question and answer segment and a raffle, for media participants, of two 3-day/2-night stays for two at select Bohol resort and a grand raffle of another 3-day/2-night stay for two with airfare and PCR tests included. Atty. Lucas "Doy" Nunag (Chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council) delivered the closing remarks.

Balik sa Bohol Media Launch


The province has already loosened the arrival protocols for FIT wishing to enter Bohol. FITs may enter Bohol and stay within the travel bubble if they are able to secure a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken 72 hours prior to arrival here in the province.  

Participating companies


Participating companies include Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, The Acacia Glamping Park plus a number of resorts and travel agencies. For reservations and bookings visit: http://www.traveloco.ph/balikbohol. 

Saturday, 9 November 2019

Kasadya! Pasko sa Bohol (Tagbilaran City)

Kasadya! Pasko sa Bohol 


After merienda at Panglao Bluewater Resort, we all boarded the resort’s van for the 25-km. drive to Abatan, Cortes where we were to experience the Abatan River Firefly Tour.  

Along the way, we made a stopover in TagbilaranCity to feel the air of Christmas Spirit at its “Kasadya! Pasko sa Bohol, a 40-day Christmas bazaar at Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) Park, New Capitol Compound (across Bohol Wisdom School).


The food court

Launched as an avenue for local entrepreneurs to display their wares and to promote local cuisine, culture and tradition, it will showcase the best of Bohol’s local handicrafts, local cuisine , fresh farm produce, processed food, plants, ornamental items and the best from Boholano artists and artisans. 

They include Bohol Blades, Dalareich Food Products (unsweetened chocolate or tableya), The Boholana Essentials, Reputana Guitars, Habol, TemplosSabunichi, Jzaki Enterprises (rice wine), Serendipity Tea Bar, Paeng's ChickenGreen Thumb Farms (organic farm), The Shawarma Shack, Kew Hotel, Astoria, Asin Tibuok (artisanal salt), Let's Go Natural (handmade bags and accessories), The Baker (butter cookies), Tubigon Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative, Taloto Tinapay Squares, Buenaventurada Farms (organic farm), etc.

Kew Hotel:  serves pork barbecue, inuyapang baboy, kare-kare and more

Arte
Bohol Blades (Sikatuna)
Bohol Gov. Arthur C. “Art” Yap led the lighting ceremonies, ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits at the first ever Kasadya: Pasko sa Bohol Christmas Market on November 5, 2019. 

Gov. Yap, whose main program is tourism, intends to strengthen Bohol’s tourism industry by improving its local products and supporting its producers as well as its aspiring entrepreneurs.
 
Reputana Guitars

The Boholana Essentials
Sabunichi Artisan Bath and Body
According to Gov. Yap, "I hope to have a Christmas village that will not only showcase regular products but unique Boholano products.”  

Also attending this special event were  Provincial Board members Mr. Ricky Masamayor, Mr. Aldner Damalerio, Ms. Jade Bautista, Ms. Lucille Lagunay and Mr. Elpidio Bonita; Provincial Administrator Ms. Kathryin Pioquinto and Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR) members Ms. Joy Angeli “Shobe” Uy (F&B Manager of Belian Hotel), Ms. Dalareich P. Polot (manager of Dalareich Food Products and founder of Ginto Fine Chocolates) and Mr. Duke Miñosa (Buenaventura Farm). The bazaar, opened from  5 PM to 10 PM, will run until December 15, 2019.

Artwork by Boholano artists for sale


On its first week (November 5 until November 10), this curated Christmas night market, organized by the provincial government, raked in PhP1.1 million in total curated market’s sales, according to Capitol Communications Chief Mr. Augustus Escobia. The majority of the revenues (PhP941,000) was earned through food sales while the agriculture and handicraft segments of the market raked in P130,174 and P65,542, respectively.

As part of the over month-long celebration, other activities also launched include the Belen contest (final judging will be on December 14 to 15, 2019 at the CPG Park), a display of the manger scene depicting the birth of Jesus, and the Dayegon Contest (final judging on December 13, 2019 at the Bohol Cultural Center, 6 PM), the traditional devotional performance expressed as votive carol to the newborn Christ. Both are two of the most enduring Christmas traditions that have been the hallmark of local heritage.

Templos


Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com
Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Restaurant Review: Aplaya Restaurant (Panglao, Bohol)

The full service Aplaya RestaurantThe full service Aplaya Restaurant
After checking in and freshening up at our rooms at Panglao Bluewater Resort, we all proceeded for dinner at Aplaya Restaurant. The restaurant is just a 2-3 minute leisurely walk from our rooms but we chose to go there via a golf cart.  We traveled along a bamboo-lined gravel path, to a small bridge, underneath which is a small pond, leading to the clifftop restaurant.
Al fresco dining by the beachAl fresco dining by the beach
Dinner wasn't served in the restaurant though.  Instead, tables were set up along the beach for us to experience some al fresco dining with the cool white sand beneath our feet.  Nice touch.
Eggplant SaladEggplant Salad
Spring RollsSpring Rolls
The menu that night was even nicer - eggplant salad, spring rolls, grilled squid, fried rice topped with lechon kawalipinakbet and chicken inasal and pork humba.  All these I washed down with fresh buko juice.  Later on, we were served with glasses of red wine.
Chicken Inasal and Pork HumbaChicken Inasal and Pork Humba
Grilled SquidGrilled Squid
Come morning, the guys and I again took the golf cart to the restaurant, this time for breakfast inside the restaurant.  Choices here include ham, bacon, congee, pancakes. siomai, ramen, sotanghon soup, plain or fried rice, dilis, fish fillet and chicken.  They also have several kind of bread to choose from such as ube ensaymada, croissant, soft roll, cinnamon roll and pan de sal.
A typical breakfast menuA typical breakfast menu (photo: Melo Villareal)
They also have several choices of jam.  One can request for their eggs either boiled, sunny side up or scrambled. They also have rice cake, puto, delicious native hot chocolate, sausage, cereals and  milk plus fruits and juice like orange, watermelon and pineapple.
Bluewater SaladBluewater Salad
The restaurant's ceiling is made from recycled pieces of rattan, arranged in a repetitive pattern, which are "unusable" short tips from the manufacture of outdoor furniture.  An infinity pool is located beside the restaurant.
Lechon kawaliLechon kawali
After our Pamilacan Island tour that day, we had a late lunch at Aplaya.  Served ala carte with generous servings, it included the signature Bluewater salad and the main course of hinalang na manok, pansit canton, lechon kawali and steamed rice.
Pancit cantonPancit canton
The restaurant also serves, among others, their version of spicy chicken curry, ube cake with vanilla ice cream, adobo rice served in bamboo, nasi goring and kinampay - a specific variety of ube (purple yam) found mostly in Bohol.
Fried rice topped with slices of lechon kawaliFried rice topped with slices of lechon kawali
On Saturdays, 6 to 10 PM, the restaurant also offers a Barrio Fiesta theme dinner buffet (PhP900 net per person) of Boholano specialties (including the popular lechon kawali, lechon manok and adobong baboy plus desserts such as biko and leche flan) and featuring a colorful and upbeat Philippine cultural dance show (starts 7:30 PM) with dancers in FIlipiniana costumes and a rondalla band.
Fish
Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd, Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.