Best Ice Cream in New Zealand!

 

I think I have finally discovered the best ice cream (both in taste and value for money) in New Zealand!

Known for its fresh milk, New Zealand naturally has some of the most delicious ice cream in the world. From the gourmet Kaffee Eis and Kapiti Ice Cream to the commercial Tiptop, this dairy country has produced excellent local ice cream brands that never failed to satisfy your cravings for a creamy, cold dessert.

However, just when I thought I had tasted the best, I was surprised to discover that there is even a better-tasting ice cream in New Zealand!

Since I am based in Wellington, I had only tried those ice cream brands that I just mentioned. But, when I came to Auckland, specifically in Mission Bay, I suddenly found myself savoring the finest frozen treat (even in winter): the Rush Munro's 100% Natural New Zealand Ice Cream!

They're selling some in Mission Bay, Auckland. (Photo by Kristine Fabellar)

Rush Monro's promised an all-natural, no preservatives ice cream, which was done in an old-fashioned way since 1926. And, it delivered!

I got a feijoa-flavored ice cream and I was mentally preparing my tongue to taste that stingy citrus flavor in the ice cream, just like how some ice cream brands would do their fruit-based products. But I was really amazed when I tasted a very creamy, rich ice cream yet still retaining that captivating and unique flavor of feijoas!

Feijoa, boysenberry and cookies and cream.
(Photo by Kristine Fabellar)

What made this deliciously delightful discovery extra special is that we had Rush Monro's at the Mecca Stonehouse. This restaurant was awarded the "Best Auckland Cafe" in 2002 and voted as the "Most Favorite Place to Go" by New Zealand Herald Readers.

And it is not hard to tell why. The Mecca Stonehouse is inside an 1859 Anglican Mission House overlooking the beach in Mission Bay, Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.

The place itself is inviting. This stone house made us curious so we went in.

The restaurant has an extension, which is an open deck cafe, with a sail-like canopy and cozy basalt fireplace. That's where we enjoyed our ice cream.

Real fireplace! :)
(Photo by Kristine Fabellar)



Eating ice cream at the canopy with the sun all up at a fine winter day.
(Photo by Kristine Fabellar)

The main entrance is equally enchanting. The location, the stone materials from which the house was built, the wilting trees around it, the brick chimney are reasons why Mission Bay is one of my most favorite places to go to in Auckland.

The main entrance of Mecca Stonehouse. (We went through the backyard. Haha.)

Just captivating. :)

And oh, one scoop of this heavenly ice cream is only NZD 5.00! Two scoops, NZD 7.00.

I had one scoop because it's winter. Will definitely get the two scoops this summer. :)

On Dreams and Multiplication Table

This afternoon, Jairus, my nine-year old cousin left me with a very precious insight:

Jairus: Ate, masarap pala maging matalino no? Maganda kasi ang panaginip mo eh.

(Ate, I realized it feels good to be smart. I had a good dream last night.)

*Ate means "big sister"

*Last night, I taught him the multiplication table. He felt smarter after learning the techniques of multiplication.

Me: Talaga? Bakit naman? (Really? How come?)
Jairus: Napaniginipan ko kasi kagabi [ay] angel. (I dreamed of an angel last night.)

Me: Oh? Anong itsura? (Oh? How does it look like?)
Jairus: Babae. Maganda. Maitim buhok. Tapos yung mata parang may contact lens.

(It's a woman. She's beautiful. Has black hair. And her eyes seem to have contact lens.)
Me: Anong sabi niya sayo? (What did she tell you?)
Jairus: Tumulong daw ako sa kahit dalawang tao. (That I help at least two people.)

Jairus once told us that he dreams of zombies and other violent stuff before. He watches TV a lot. I don't know if our tutorial last night changed that. But it hit me on the importance of giving our children quality time and letting them discover their abilities and potential.

I told him to post our self-made Multiplication Table at any place where he'll always see it (he posted it in their refrigerator). I asked him to memorize it. He should be able to recite it before I leave for New Zealand.

I am very excited to see Jairus excel in Math when I come back. 

Bless the thoughts and dreams of our children, Lord. :)

Refreshing my systems from the complexities of the week that was: taho (soya drink) with Jairus. 

Captivated by Kalanggaman Island!

Who would've thought that in a third-class municipality, such as my mother's hometown in Palompon in the province of Leyte, there hidden an islet so beautiful and so virgin!

I've been hearing of Kalanggaman Island from my uncles and aunts in Palompon, Leyte since I was young. They would point to a small islet that one could easily see from the highest spot of our village. Then they would talk of clear waters, fine white sand, gigantic shells, untouched fish sanctuary, and of birds.

Well, for purposes of better cultural appreciation, "langgam" in Visayan dialect is not the hardworking "ant" in Tagalog. In fact, langgam means bird.

Spanning a mere 9.82 hectares of pure white sand, Kalanggaman Island has two sand bars extending on each side like a bird’s wings. It is perhaps named because of its shape. Another reason for naming such is that it can be a seasonal habitat for migratory birds or bird sanctuary at one time or another.

That's one sand bar!

One has to ride a pump-boat which could be rented via the Palompon Eco-Tourism office. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to get there from Palompon. I suggest you go with a big group. The bigger the group, the bigger the savings (ka-shing!).

As of this writing, the private pump-boat costs P3,000 for a capacity of 15 persons and below, P3,500 for 25 persons and below, and P4,000 for 30 persons and below.

All aboard!

I am happy that the island was finally re-possessed by the government after a trail of unlawful transfers of property. I appreciate the efforts of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez for revitalizing the eco-tourism of Palompon, Leyte.

According to my aunt, it used to be a neglected island where people - sadly - abuse the nature. Now, it is a protected sanctuary and guests are prohibited to litter, take sand and/or sea shells, and go fishing.

This one's at the other sand bar. Amazingly, these rock formations, although lava-like, aren't hot at noon time.

Another thing I like about this place is that not so many people can come here at the same time because of the limited number of pump-boats. We were like only 60 people in this islet during our stay here. Sulit na sulit talaga ang getaway!

All cottages cost P250.

By the way, guests can stay overnight. However, they don't have rooms or any boarding facilities. So please bring tents. They don't have electricity and fresh water. But they have dressing rooms and toilets. They also have security - as in local police.

So talagang "island experience" siya. They say that the local government will continue to improve the place. They now have kayaks and soon, will offer other beach activities. It is also a good place for divers.

This marker's new according to my uncle. But hey, we saw six dolphins on our way back! :)

But I'd rather experience the island in its most basic and raw state. Of course, you don't go to an island for hotels and expensive toilets, or night clubs and bars. I know you know what I am talking about.

You go to an island to get in touch with nature and remind yourself that you are a part of this grand creation of God. And that you have a big responsibility to be a good steward of this wonderful creation - as we all are appointed since the earth was created.

Also, I can't help but be proud of my Leytenian heritage. And of course, of my being Filipino. I really hope all Pinoys would get to experience this captivating island and be awakened of the richness and beauty of our country.

White sand, blue sea, green trees, and one proud brown Pinay. :)

For more information on Kalanggaman Island, you may visit Palompon's local government website. Or you may call the Palompon Eco-Tourism Office at (053) 555-9010 or (053) 338-2094.

Nueva Ecija's PUNO'S ICE CREAM: A Provincial Heritage

This made my day! :)

Finally, natikman ko na ulit ang "Cheese, Cashew and Macapuno" ice cream from Puno's!

The first time I tasted it was when I joined a veteran-related event in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and they served us this unforgettable ice cream.

They told me it was made from fresh carabao's milk, which I easily tasted! In fact, if one would really savor it, it tastes like frozen pastillas! Sobrang creamy yet it's not so sweet - just like any homemade ice cream.

What I appreciated most from this brand is that it CHOSE to maintain its branding as a "homemade" product - unlike other local brands who gained a massive following and went "commercial;" sacrificing the quality and tradition that go with it.

Well, that of course, may be because the family could not afford to expand their business, which includes buying big ice cream makers or hire delivery vans or get more people. In their Facebook page, it was written that "the company was founded by Atanacio and Simeona Puno...to send their nine children to school." This gives us a deeper perspective beyond "business as usual."

The first time I tried it, I asked the people from Cabanatuan if there are available Puno's products elsewhere - especially in Manila. They told me that it is only available in various areas within the province of Nueva Ecija. Yes - making it a provincial heritage, a treasure you really have to go to.

That is why today, after a medical mission in Fort Magsaysay, I bravely asked my boss to make a quick turn along Sta. Rosa just so we could buy this ice cream. I needed to take advantage of tasting this heavenly creation again. Hinanap ko pa talaga sa Facebook page nila kung saan ang pinakamalapit na store sa pinuntahan namin. Ganun ako na-hook! :)

I will definitely miss this when I go to New Zealand. No amount of ice cream made from their cows' milk will take the place of the taste and heart of this Filipino dairy goodness.

Hear the Pacific Ocean Roar!

Nov 1, 2012 - - After a 14-hour bus ride from Manila to Buguey in Cagayan Valley, this is what welcomed me and my family:

Heavenly Father, the Creator of this wonderful world and the universe, thank yooooouuuuu for the chance to hear the oceans roar. So that's how they worship you, eh?

Tanggal ang pagod ko dun! :)

ANGONO's HIGANTES: What's with the Swag?

Before mascots and Cosplay, the Filipinos during the Spanish colonization period already had higantes. Not the one to be left out of this famous festival in the artistic town of Angono in Rizal, I took the advantage of taking photos with these colorful gigantic papier-mâché (French for "chewed paper") that are paraded on the streets on the 23rd of November.

Giants got my back!

But I have always been curious why all these giants have their hands on their hips with heads held up high. It would have been more interesting to see them in various hand gestures and head tilts.

It turned out that Higantes Festival has an interesting origin:

Angono used to be a huge Spanish hacienda. In an overt effort to convert the Filipinos to Christianity, the Spaniards prohibited our forefathers to celebrate our own festivities. As a protest, our ancestors took advantage of the only festivity they were allowed to celebrate - the feast of San Clemente, patron saint of fishermen - by making giant papier-mâché (or an effigy) that look like the oppressive hacienderos.

Nowadays, the higantes portray the 13 barangays' industries and personalities (which explains the sash that read: Paredes Funeral. Haha.)

Standing mighty proud with the 'higantes.'

Source on Higantes' history: www.meetmanila.com

Homemade Pancakes (The Walang Hilamos Edition)

Small circle, small circle... big circle!!!

Good morning everyone!

This is one of those days that I woke up hungry (okay, that's most of the days). From bed, without washing my face or brushing my teeth, I asked Nanay (who was still in bed) to make pancakes. I have been wanting to eat pancakes since we have an abundance of maple syrup at home (that's good reason enough to want pancakes, right?). But I think she was still tired from yesterday's baking. She didn't respond.

So, I went back to bed. But, after a few minutes, she asked me to get up and help her make pancakes! (Mothers are the most self-sacrificing beings in the planet.)

It turned out that she still wants me to do it. She just gave me her very old, fusty notebook which contains the recipes of our well-loved foods (actually, this notebook would pass for an heirloom).

AND, I'm gonna share it with you! This is the "walang-hilamos edition" since all the ingredients are readily available at home, very much suited for those who just woke up one morning and want pancakes:

1 cup of all purpose flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1 cup of milk (evaporated or powder - whatever you have in your kitchen)
1 egg
water (estimate, depending on your desired consistency)

Just sift the dry ingredients and blend in the wet ingredients (wet doesn't sound good). And mix.
Pour into non-grease pan and wait until it turns golden brown.

You may opt to put butter and sugar with the pancake mixture.
Since we have a Tatay who is diabetic, we decided not to. Instead, we generously smothered our pancakes with slabs of butter and teaspoons of maple syrup (we have many at home - bleh).

Make sure to have a younger sister who can assist you so you can eat pancakes ahead of everyone. (See photo. Thanks, Beng.) Have a happy day ahead!