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Visa-Free Taiwan for Filipinos: Maokong Gondola

I was only reminded that I haven't posted about our complete Taiwan trip when the announcement that Taiwan has decided to extend the visa-free entry of Filipino passport holders.

Summary of our Taiwan trip last December link: here.

In order to get to the station, you need to ride the Brown Line of their MRT to Taipei Zoo. What we did was we first explored the Taipei Zoo before riding the cable car to Maokong. Allot enough time for this place because Taipei Zoo is huge plus Maokong Peak and Zhinan Temple are places of interests as well.

You can use the your Metro Card to pay for the zoo and for the cable car ride.

We were able to ride the crystal cabin on our way to the top. Lucky us there weren't lines when we got there.

The rate is $120ntd/adult per way, the charge is the same for the regular and glass bottom cabins. The line of tourist is just the problem because the latter definitely has longer line on most days.

I've ridden a cable car in Genting Highlands in Malaysia, San Jacinto State Park in California, Wynn Hotel and Guia Hill in Macau but Taiwan's Maokong Gondola is my favorite so far.

First reason is because of the crystal cabin that we rode since the greenery/forest below can easily be seen and it's way more exciting because of the glass floor.

It's not expensive and you can see the cityscape of Taipei and the lush forest while riding.

From Taipei Zoo, there's a stop in Zhinan Temple - a temple complex you can explore should you have enough time. We weren't able to go down this stop 'cause we felt that we were running out of time.

This is the Maokong Station where you'll ride the cable car down. I'll create a separate post about Maokong too.

After spending around three hours in Maokong, we decided to ride the cable car down already to beat the crowd. The time of operations is: 8:30AM to 9PM

It was continuously drizzling that day hence, the view.

This is really a must-visit when in Taiwan because it's not all the time that you can ride a cable car. <3

If you're riding the cable car a bit late, I believe there's a light and fountain show near the Taipei Zoo MRT station every Friday - Sunday nights.

Nonna's Pasta and Pizzeria, Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas

This is a newly-opened branch of Nonna's in Robinson's Galleria. For people who are from South or have been to South, you would probably know about them since they have a branch in Solenad, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

For that, Nonna, thank you for branching out! :))

As you can see above, Nonna's Pasta and Pizzeria was the #1 restaurant in Laguna in 2016. How cool is that?

Notice how bright and inviting their interior is. <3

Nonna's is definitely one of those restaurants that may be considered a head turner. Aside from its strategic location on the third floor, you're likely to look twice at the bright, color coordinated and lively interior. However though, for some people, that may be considered as an intimidating factor kasi baka mahal. But no, especially when you're dining in group, everything they serve is not only delicious but reasonably priced as well!

Arugula with Burrata Salad

P 450.00

Almost every ingredient in the salad above is expensive and yet they're able to price it an acceptable price. You have that much arugula and a big ball of burrata cheese? 'cause why not, right? This is perfect as a meal starter 'cause it actually feels light when eaten.

Ciao-Viche
P 385.00

But... can I get a glass of wine with this? :))

This is a foreign version of our "kinilaw" which was so delicious especially with all the added vegetables and octopus slices.

Mussels and Clams in White Wine
P 375.00

Make sure to ask for an extra plate to put the shells of this dish 'cause you're definitely gonna get more than a piece. Also, loved the bread that comes with this.

Hawaiian Pizza
P 385.00

Well, this version is the best Hawaiian Pizza I've had. Para sa'ting naniniwala na hindi naman masamang may pineapple sa pizza, well, make sure you're able to try Nonna's version of our pizza na pinaglalaban talaga!

As you can see, their version is very much different from what we're used to but in a very good day. The toppings are prosciutto with thin slices of fresh pineapple.

Smoked Salmon and Caviar Pizza
P 450.00

In case you need a closer look of the caviar, cheese, and smoked salmon.

I love how their pizzas look organized that you won't have to worry which slice are you going to get kasi nga each slice has the same topping. The taste of this pizza is as clean as it looks. Ang sarap nung pairing ng smoked salmon and their hot honey. A unique combination but was easily accepted by my palate!

Salted Egg Tagliatelle
P 265.00

You can easily taste the salted egg in this pasta dish that is followed by a bit of spiciness (an acceptable level even for people who don't eat spicy food) that balances everything out. This was the first pasta dish I've had in Nonna's and the texture of the pasta was a bit of a sweet surprise for me - it was cooked al dente yet you can feel that it's quite chewy as well.

Three - Cheese Raviolli

P 250.00

This dish is perfect!

I love the quantity of cheese inside each raviolli and the acidity of the tomato sauce is just perfectly paired with everything. If you're a cheese lover, you won't get disappointed with the amount of cheese they put in their dishes.

Seafood Al Nero
P 350.00

Made with homemade squid ink pasta and fresh seafoods.

Radiatori Chorizo and Mussel
P 295.00

Nonna's Special Pizza
P 450.00

Nonna’s Special: pomodoro, burrata, mozzarella, and basil cream

Personally, I'm not fond of pizzas that have too many toppings so this one's perfect. The crust of this brick-oven baked pizza also worked well with their hot honey condiment.

Lemon Meringue Sandwich
P 180.00

We ate a lot that night and as you've seen, they're almost all carbs -pizza and pasta yet the dinner felt so light. Walang bloated na feeling.

Nonna's Pasta and Pizzeria
3rd Floor, New Wing, Robinson's Ortigas

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The Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay in Baguio City

This is a review of an overnight stay in the one of the famous hotel in Baguio City - The Manor in Camp John Hay.

I have posted about them way back 2014 link: here. but this time, I was able to check in and sleep in the rooms not just someone who went there to take photos in the garden. Grateful for the experience. A testament that things eventually get better. lol. :))

It has been raining non-stop here in Metro Manila and if there's one thing that I always feel like doing during rainy days that is to pack my bags, ride the bus and head to Baguio. I've said this before but there's something in the Cordillera Administrative Region that brings healing to my tired soul. This might sound crazy to some but that's Baguio for me. Yep, even before That Thing Called Tadhana. hehe!

Below are the pictures taken from our room during our stay at The Manor:

The rooms has no air conditioning so it might still get hot especially during summer but during the colder weather? PERFECT! The rooms are big and the beds are comfortable to sleep in.

I prefer the rooms facing the garden and I'd choose the room on the upper floors if possible 'cause there are a lot of people going to the garden and see those checked in the first floor.

This is what Baguio is all about! <3

KAKAMISS!!!!!

I've just recently posted my Tapulao Experience because I wanted to show you the fog. I think I really miss the feeling of being one with the fog. :))))) Iba pa rin eh! Smog lang kasi nandito sa Manila!!

Siguro this has something to do with me being a mountain person. I prefer places where I'm surrounded by trees and embraced by the misty fog.

I'll prefer this over any night at bar. Simpleng inom lang and kwentuhan sabayan mo pa ng natural na lamig ng Baguio. Haaaay! Solve na solve.

For room rates, please visit their website: here.

***

This hotel in Camp John Hay in Baguio is an attraction on its own. It's Baguio "away from the crowd." No matter how congested the traffic is outside and no matter how many people are there visiting the other tourist spots in the area, it's nice to be in this quiet hotel with less people and still feel the cold air of the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Also, it's best when you're able to book rooms facing the garden.

Other things to do in Camp John Hay link: here.

Historical Core | The Cemetery of Negativism | Tree Top Adventure

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Visa-Free Taiwan for Filipinos: Maokong Gondola

Nonna's Pasta and Pizzeria, Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas

The Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay in Baguio City

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