New York: Another bite of the Big Apple

You are probably visiting the city a second time or perhaps you've checked all the items in your list of "Must see and do in NYC" and looking for alternative things to experience that are easy on the pocket. Here are my personal recommendations for another bite of the Big Apple:

1. Go beyond Manhattan and visit Queens 

You might have heard of the famous "7" train which goes from Times Sq. to the borough of Queens. New York is not just Manhattan, so if you got extra time why don't you go beyond Manhattan. Why Queens? because it's like home away from home. This is where you will see the Pinoy Bee in the American Shore (oh yes, I'm talking about Jollibee). If you are missing the home cooked Pinoy meals, you can drop by Krystal's for a steaming bowl of sinigang and a desert of Brazo de Mercedes.If you want to avoid the deluge of shoppers, try to go shopping in the Rego Center which has Marshall's and Costco or Queen's Place mall which has a Target store. How about walking along the streets of the residential area and try to catch a glimpse of the everyday life of a New Yorker.

2. You want to get to see the Manhattan skyline, head to New Jersey

New Jersey, New York's sister from another mother is just a mere PATH (NJ subway) ride away for a break from the frenzy of Manhattan.Go down in Newport or Hoboken station for a view across the Hudson River with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.You can also do your shopping at New Jersey since they have lower state sales tax.Hoboken boasts of quaint restaurants and if you are a fan of Cake Boss, you can drop by a visit in Carlos bakery in Hoboken. 

View from Newport,New Jersey

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New York: Eat your way in NYC on a budget

'It is sweeter the second time around' - it may sound like a cliche but it is indeed really sweeter the second time around. 

I'm back in the concrete jungle and I made a promise during my first time here when I was contained in eating chinese food - foodtrip ala NYC . The Big Apple has a lot to offer when it comes to gustatory choices from Zagat rated restaurants to hole in the wall. The choices are limitless but funds are limited. New York is an expensive city but it is actually possible to enjoy eating your way in NYC though you are on a budget.

Shake Shack 

Don't be fooled by the name they don't just serve shakes but mean burgers & fries and the gooeeyy chocolate pudding. Most of the Shake Shack locations are outside seating which can be a problem during the cold months but they have seats with outdoor heating which can take care of it so make sure to come in early during the cold nights so you can get yourself a heated seat. Shackburger is $4.50 while a Cheeseburger is $4. 

Location: Madison Square Park near Flatiron building (other locations also available)

Budget (minimum): $4-7 per person; no tipping (self-service restaurant)

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Vacation Guide: El Nido,Palawan

INTRODUCING EL NIDO,PALAWAN

El Nido is situated at the northern part of Palawan, about 238 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa which is Palawan's capital.It is well known for it's diverse marine life, fine sand beaches, snorkelling spots, lagoons and limestone cliffs. It is usually perceived that a vacation to El Nido is a costly one but with several mid and budget accommodations sprouting in El Nido town it is actually a priceless experience with an affordable price tag.

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El Nido: Seeking Felicity

I was armed with knowledge gathered from several blogposts about this place in El Nido, it is almost claimed to be the hidden gem of the island.I was intrigued of the possibility that this particular piece of paradise actually exists, finally a decision was made - I am dropping the second island tour for a daytrip to visit Nacpan & Calitang beach.

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El Nido:Uniquely El Nido!

Flashback to few years back - it was an Amazing Race episode where I saw the contestants rapelling down a limestone cliff, riding a speedboat in the bluest of blue ocean and finally checking in to this resort resembling a beach paradise where a grinning Phil Keoghan welcomed them to El Nido,Palawan. Then it was a frenzy of 'googling', I finally discovered about El Nido and how it finally found a place in the bucket list of places to visit.

[TRAVEL TIP] If you don't have thousands of pesos (which I don't have) to spend for an overnight in the upscale resorts, the best option for a budget friendly trip to El Nido is to stay in El Nido town. The beach in El Nido town is not something spectacular because it is what lies beyond those limestone cliffs and the great blue sea that people came to see and experience - this is the famous El Nido Island hopping activity. Island hopping tours are grouped into Tour A, B and C.There are several tour companies that arranges the island hopping tour, there will be no problem if you are not a big group because they would usually join you with other groups as well. Rates for the island hopping tours is the same among the tour companies. [We took the tour from KrisKlein, it is the burger stand near the street entrance of Marina Garden - look for Ate Lanie]

We were supposed to go for two island hopping tour but due to a last minute discovery (a teaser for my next post), we have opted to just get one island hopping tour. Per recommendation of the receptionist at the resort where we stayed, we choose Tour A which is comprised of the following: Small & Big lagoon, Secret lagoon, Simisu Island and 7 Commandos beach. The tour priceis 900 Php inclusive of lunch. We also rented the snorkel and mask for 100 Php.

Our second morning in El Nido is bright and sunny, a perfect weather for beach hopping. At around 9am, we were called to join a group for the tour which were composed of a balikbayan family from the Windy City and a petite Pinay with her Dutch boyfriend. We exchanged a few shy smiles with the group as we settled into our place in the ferry boat.

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