Despite having an inflammation in his wrist, Master Dale was so hospitable in fetching us from Manila to Batangas (vice versa), providing us food and accommodation, guiding me on my first scuba diving exploration and treating us here.  Because he has a big heart, I am confident that I can trust him and his crew with my life under water.  If you need a dive instructor in Batangas (this is his number 09338594803.

About My First Scuba Diving Experience at Bus Stop Dive Resort

• Scuba Diving Experience: At first, I struggled with breathing in a relax way.  Then, I remembered how I breath in yoga just focusing on one inhale and exhale at a time.  The next thing I know, I felt so relaxed as I saw the beautiful sea creatures moving at the same rhythm as my breathe.  That helped me developed a secret to enjoy the irregularity of my breath whenever I do cardio - I imagine that moment under the sea.
• Scuba Diving Community: Where ever you come from, what your profession is, everyone treats each other with respect and camaraderie.  I met a group of young French students who are taking a break before continuing college and I also met fellow lawyers who enjoy free diving for the adrenaline rush.  Dive Instructors Master Dale and Estan are very friendly and inspiring.  

They adopt a pay as you order system where many would line up.  

There are only few dining tables inside so if you're not lucky then the cool outdoors is fine too.  I initially thought the food is self-service but the signage is just for the water.

Food

Combo Lomi (65 php)

Extreme Lomi (75 php)

The Extreme Lomi is similar to the Combo Lomi except that the kk chips is substituted with prawn crackers.  

You'll need an extra plate to eat your lomi since the toppings are overflowing.  I wonder if its because of my gratefulness for my master's generosity, the great company, my hunger or the true taste of the lomi but it felt really good that night.  I feel warmth in my heart and belly. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I will definitely go back to Kina Imus Lomi House whenever I am in the area.  Next time, I'll skip the crackers and opt for the Sisig Lomi instead.

If you ask the locals of Pampanga where the best barbecue is, everyone will point you to Jun Jun's Bibingka and Barbecue Restaurant.

According to the menu, Jun Jun's began as a small barbecue stand along the railroad tracks in Dolores, San Fernando Pampanga.  Now, it has several branches.  Seeing that it even has a playground hinted mee that it is a family friendly place.

There are air-conditioners in the dining area.  But, during our visit only fans were working.  We didn't mind though.  Being spacious, the ventilation is good.  For the price, we even didn't mind guarding our food from the flies.

All-Time Favorites

♥ Chicken BBQ (70 php) and ♥ Pork BBQ (65 php)

We had the impression that the Chicken BBQ and Pork BBQ would have the same marinade.  But, upon trying both, we could tell they are slightly different.  Both blends are trully and uniquely delicious.  Between the two, we prefer the Chicken BBQ.  Based on portions, it is also more bang for the buck in terms of portions.  There's a bottled barbecue sauce which is sweetly delicious and perfect for their bbqs.

Soup

♥ Lomi (120 php)

The Lomi is the pleasant surrpise for us at Jun Jun's.  Sure, we expected the BBQ to be great but the Lomi was something we didn't expect.  Having tried a lot of lomi in our lifetime especially the ones from Binondo and yet, one of the best and most affordable lomi we've tried is just right here at Jun Jun's.

Rice

Fried Rice (20 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're in Pampanga don't miss out on Jun Jun's.  The price is so affordable so there's no way you'll regret it even if you don't like it. 

I've shared with one of the best lomi's in Batangas.  But, where do you go when you're craving for lomi in Manila?  Cafe Felisa for me is one of the best places to have lomi.

Cafe Felisa is located at the Aloha Hotel along Roxas Boulevard.   It is the next door neighbor of Sze-Chuan House.

Being situated in a hotel, the restaurant is quite spacious.  But, the interior is to dull and plain for me stay longer than my meal duration.

Food 

Noodle Soup

♥ Lomi Special (180 php)

One of the comforting factors of lomi is that it's served steaming hot to warm up the tummy.   Check!  The Lomi Special is served that way.  This is so hearty, flavorful and filling because it has generous ingredients, the thickness of the soup is just right and the rich egg noodles is smooth and easy to slurp.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cafe Felisa serves hearty lomi that will surely satisfy you.  Only drawback perhaps is the price. 

I know this sounds cliche.  But really, my apprenticeship is one of the most transformative phase in my life.  I have never imagined a workplace filled with kind-hearted, hard-working and jolly bunch.
Engaging in public service also made me realize how fortunate I was in life.   The apprenticeship program experience alone was a big blessing for me.  Yet, it got even better when I was nvited to join their summer getaway.  One of my mentor is a local of Lipa City Batangas so he brought us to his favorite food place called Liam's Lomi House.  Liam's has won several awards for their lomi.

It has a sign but the road side.  But, you have to go in further inside the street to reach the actual establishment.

It was a simple but already modern structure with many seating capacity.  There's a lot of parking spaces too. 

For such a conspicuous and humble place, I honestly didn't expect it to be full.  It was not even meal hours when we dropped by as we came at around 3 pm.  They adopted a pay as you order system so you have to order by the counter.  The place had a high ceiling so despite lacking air-conditioning, it was cool enough for me.

There was also a barbecue stall outside with its own signage "Liam's Special BBQ" but I didn't get to try it.  Because we were already about to leave when they started making preparations.

I loved the idea that we have to eat on a banana leaf because it felt more native.

Food
My mentors are so kind to treat me and my apprentice-mates.  They also knew I do some food blogging so they didn't touch the food until I got a shot.  Aren't they the most awesome mentors ever? 

Noodles

♥ Lomi Special (50 php)

As the name implied, their best-seller is their lomi.  I was so thrilled when our Lomi Special arrived.  It was a big bowl filled with lots of topping like pork meat, pork liver, fish ball and kikiam.  Of course, it was very flavorful and the thick noodles has a nice firm, soft and slightly chewy texture too.


Soup

♥ Chopsuey (110 php)

I'm a veggie lover so I was happy to hear that they ordered the Chopsuey.  Their version is unconventional.  It is essential the traditional chopsuey vegetable ingredients with a more soupy-base and loaded with special toppings that were similar to the Lomi Special (i.e. pork meat, pork liver, fish ball and kikiam).  I don't usually appreciate the chopsuey.  But, this one I loved!

Short Orders (Good for 3)

♥ Fried Chicken (130 php)

The Fried Chicken has a different cooking technique to it that makes it distinguishes it from the usual American or Filipino-style.  It was well-marinated and coated in crispy starch similar to the Taiwanese chicken chops.  This is definitely worth a try!

Sisig (130 php)

Last, but certainly not the least, is the Sisig.  While I prefer the sisig without the mayonnaise, I found this one quite enticing. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
For a hearty meal with any group, Liam's Lomi House is a great stop!  The best part is, is that a meal will cost you less than 100 pesos.  This is one food discovery that I am very grateful for.  And, the experience and the company made it even more unforgettable.