A Night Out in Monochrome, at Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen

A walk along the usually crowded streets of Poblacion one evening felt both eerily quiet and liberating at the same time. With quarantine restrictions still in effect, the once bustling 'hood appeared to be on pause yet one can sense the much anticipated return of Poblacion as soon as the restart button is pressed. Muted, subdued and calmingly still, another facet of Poblacion is revealed in monochrome...

In a first of two parts of a continuing story, I'll take you through a closer look at one of the neighborhood's best known bars with its artisan small batch spirits gaining worldwide recognition. At the helm, Kalel Ervin Demetrio aka The Liquido Maestro, weaves his own take on local folklore and myths with his inventive concoctions using the small batch artisan spirits of Destileria Barako at Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen. The veil of grey tones are slowly lifted from the 'hood with the vibrant libations at one of the metro's most innovative and inventive bars...

Quick Bites: Boneless Lechon at Lucky Chinatown

The lingering aroma of roast pork on charcoal fills the air, and you follow the scent trail. Despite the incoming horde of weekend shoppers, you bravely go against the flow and stay on course.

And there she is. Porchetta, Lechon Belly Roast, Boneless Lechon, whatever you call it, there's really nothing quite like a slab of pork roasting on hot charcoal...

Side Views: Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center

A cold, grey sky loomed overhead, but no worries. It was a good day to see Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center. ETA in twenty...

On the last leg from a road trip two years ago, visiting the massive Boeing facilities seemed like the right way to end the trip.

Side Views: Awesome Sights and Flavors at the Tillamook Cheese Factory

I was surprised to find Tillamook Red Cheddar at S&R the other day, and it immediately brought back memories of my trip to Oregon almost three years ago. And when it comes to cheese, fudge and ice cream, Tillamook is definitely on my top ten list. I remember visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and the sights and flavors remain one of the best memories of that trip

Just an hour and half's drive from Portland, it's a relaxed and leisurely drive. Simply set your GPS and you're on your way.

Side Views: Whiteout at Maroon Bells

The heavy snowfall the previous night continued , bringing in a grey morning, and chances of seeing the red rocks at Maroon Bells seemed to fade away. But then, a break in the clouds slowly revealed the famed colors, and for a few minutes, Maroon Bells bares herself in a cold winter morning.

Located just 12 miles from Aspen, Maroon Bells is an iconic Colorado landmark, and just seeing the signature red rocks even for a few minutes remains one of the highlights of my trip almost four years ago. The composition of the Bells is made up mostly with sedimentary mudstone giving it a distinctive reddish shade.

Side Views: Carmel and Monterey

There's just something about long drives along the ocean, it's about reconnecting with yourself. I had the chance to do just that three years ago, and it was awesome. Here are two great coastal drives while in SFO,  each offering its own unique charm and vibe.   

The sound of surf, beautiful weather, and scenic drive make Carmel a must stop. Pull the down windows and  let the briny air surround you. Pop in your favorite CD and enjoy the ride...

Side Views: The Spruce Goose Up Close at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

A visit to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum was like living a childhood dream. I remember being so fascinated with the legendary fighters of World War II as a child, and seeing these beautiful machines up close was an amazing experience. Located in McMinnville, Oregon, the museum houses some of the best preserved military and civilian aircraft. I was able to visit the museum two years ago, and here's a short walk through some of my favorite flying machines...

The legendary Spruce Goose, one of the largest aircraft ever built, is truly an impressive sight. Built mainly from wood (mostly birch, actually, and not spruce), this mammoth aircraft was designed primarily to airlift troops and cargo across the Atlantic during World War II. Designed by the eccentric visionary Howard Hughes, the Spruce Goose remains one of the classic icons in aviation history.

Side Views: Walking the Strip

Vegas, the start-off point for an epic road trip along Route 66 three years ago. Enchanting, almost magical, it's easy to get tempted. After giving in, I decided to try my luck at the Blackjack table. Big mistake. No matter how lucky you feel the odds are really against you. And it's pretty scary how you're chips just seem to disappear. After a dismal attempt, I decided to walk the legendary Strip, all 6 kilometers. And back.  And what a visual feast.

Side Views: The Caverns of Lake Shasta

An interesting side trip from the San Francisco to Seattle drive two years ago is Lake Shasta. Just off Redding, this man-made lake features the Lake Shasta Caverns, an amazing underground marvel with impressive limestone formations. Definitely unique, and a must-see when in Redding. 

Side Views: Bandelier National Monument

Amazing hiking trails taking you back in time to the ancient Pueblo peoples' cliff dwellings, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bandelier National Park Preserve. Definitely something different and unique, and a must-visit when in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Side Views: Written in Stone at the Petroglyph National Monument

Just off Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the Petroglyph National Monument, an interesting side trip from  a drive along the legendary Route 66 three years ago. This archaeological site features intricate images and symbols carved on rock by the ancestral Pueblo people, providing a unique insight to an ancient culture.

Side Views: An Afternoon at the Taos Pueblo

I remember seeing photographs of the Taos Pueblo by Ansel Adams way back in high school, and I was fascinated ever since. Three years ago, I had a chance to spend a half day in this thousand year old village. After imagining this place for pretty much half my life, I was finally here, and somehow I felt a sense of closure, like linking one of many loose loops, a small check in a long bucket list.  

And the Taos Pueblo is just as inspiring as I always knew it would be.

Side Views: Sunrise at the Grand Canyon

The dawn's early light slowly reveals this incredible wonder of nature, with the penetrating glow peeling away the different layers to reveal a truly amazing sight. I was told to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon, and it's an experience that still blows me away three years later. 

Side Views: Antelope Canyon

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona seemed longer than it should with the endless desert roads. And when we reached Antelope Canyon, we entered Navajo Country. Antelope Canyon is beautiful and mysterious, almost spiritual, and the colors seem to play like it was alive. Three years later, I still can't get over Antelope Canyon, definitely a must visit after the Grand Canyon.

Side Views:18 Hours to Tahoe

More pictures from a trip four years ago. All flights were cancelled due to weather. Time to hit the road. Endless desert roads, snowy mountain passes and 18 hours from Aspen to Lake Tahoe. People say I was nuts doing the long drive, maybe they were right. But I'd love to do it again... 

One can't help but be awed by the vastness and open space, and on most stretches, you are the only one on the road.

Side Views: Monument Valley

After what seemed like hours on the desert road, I finally found it, and got reminded of all the classic westerns I enjoyed growing up. Four years later, I still get moved by this awesome place...

Located along the Arisona-Utah border near the Four Corners area, Monument Valley remains the most iconic image of the West. And seeing it in the fading afternoon light made the long drive absolutely worth it.

Side Views: Driving Up Independence Pass

Found some old pictures from a trip four years ago...Independence Pass was closed the day before due to weather. The next day, a break in the clouds and I decided to go for it, all the way up the Continental Divide. Pretty cool when things turn out right...

Punched the "most scenic" route option on the GPS, and hoped the break in the weather would hold.

Side Views: Sideways in Napa

Napa, the first stop on my road trip to Seattle from San Francisco. After several wine tastings, a good meal, several cups of coffee, and a good night's sleep, I was back on the road again. I wish I could have stayed a little longer...

And one of the best things to do in Napa is simply walk around...

Side Views: Wide Awake in Seattle

Seattle, the final stop from the road trip two years ago. Awesome sights, awesome coffee, awesome food, awesome city. And some pretty cool cars too...

The heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a city of contrasts, celebrating a rich history and heritage yet progressive and always on the cutting edge. And it's easy to sat wide awake and sleepless...in Seattle. 

Side Views: Mount St. Helens

Almost two years after this trip, I still can't help but feel awed by the power and beauty of Mount St. Helens. Getting the 4x4 rental stuck in the deep snow and being helped by some locals, and body flopping on the snow while no one was lookng...awesome.

It was off-season, and the weathers wasn't expected to clear up, but somehow it did. And without the usual crowds, you have the whole park to yourself. Very cool. Until your 4x4 rental gets stuck in the snow...