11 things to do when you’re in Bulacan
ORGANIC farming, delicious local delicacies, charming boutique hotels, bustling seafood markets, a thriving coffee culture and a river adventure park and resort—here are 11 interesting things to do when you find yourself in Bulacan:
1) Buy authentic minasa cookies at Zeny’s in Bustos.
These cookies used to be prepared for affluent Bulaqueño families during Spanish colonial times. They were called minasa because of the kneading motion used to create the dough. The cookies are made from cassava flour, egg yolk, yeast, butter and coconut milk.
All of Zeny’s products are made in small batches, so you’re sure they are fresh. Try the lengua de gato and barquillos, too.
2) Visit the seafood markets in Hagonoy.
Here you can find the freshest seafood in the province.
JKD Consignacion’s proprietor, Cielito Lacap, toured us around her modern seafood auctioning facilities. “We maintain strict standards in our facility,” she said. “We have stainless steel equipment and the staff undergoes extensive training in health and food handling procedures.”
All the products they auction come from fishpond farmers in the area. Bidding and money transactions are done electronically.
Healthy food
3) Have a meal at Our Daily Bread Organic Farm and Resort in Bustos.
“I started this more than 10 years ago,” said owner Ana Katrina Tamtangco. “Our motto is that we should prepare healthy and happy food. We believe that the food you eat can also serve as your medicine. The quality and the freshness of the ingredients in your food have a big effect in your health; that’s why we advocate organic farming and pesticide-free vegetables.”
4) Check out the popular theme-based venue and resort, The Greenery in Baliuag.
The Greenery is a popular place for weddings, conferences and parties. The entire property is picturesque and has a very romantic atmosphere. It has a lighthouse, a pavilion and an open garden, swimming pools, spas and a lagoon for kayaking and Jet Skiing.
Unique dishes
5) Have a few drinks at Guilbert’s Place in Plaridel.
Opened on June 6, 2001 by proprietor Guilbert Vistan, the restaurant initially had just eight tables, but now can seat about 300 people.
Guilbert’s Place features unique dishes like sizzling balut, kanin sa kawayan, crabstick apple salad, laing served in buko shell and kilawin.
6) Stay at the St. Agatha Resort and Hotel in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto.
St. Agatha Resort and Hotel is an idyllic getaway that has a water park and a huge events place for weddings and corporate activities.
The Bistro Ambrosio restaurant, located within the resort, serves visitors and hotel guests traditional Filipino food.
Medicinal syrup
7) Buy authentic nipa palm syrup at the historic Enriquez Ancestral House in Bulacan, Bulacan.
Nina Enriquez, daughter-inlaw of the late food historian Mila Enriquez, produces small batches of this delicious and medicinal syrup. The nipa palm syrup’s medicinal properties are backed by scientific studies conducted by the Department of Food Technologies of the University of Santo Tomas. The syrup contains potent antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities.
8) Spend a day at San Rafael River Adventure Park.
The San Rafael River Adventure Park is a resort built along the Angat River in San Rafael town. It currently has four glass cottages; six more are currently being constructed.
Guests can engage in various water sporting activities like paddle boarding, Jet Skiing, and kayaking. They can also traverse the expansive resort grounds using all-terrain vehicles or opt for a pleasure cruise on the river.
Famous lugaw
9) Have some expertly crafted coffee at Endearing Tea and Coffee in Calumpit.
Endearing Tea and Coffee is located in Pia Cruzcosa inside La Residencia Subdivision. Try its Americano, frappes and lattes. Also worth sampling is the pomelo salad with carabao cheese.
10) Grilled ribs at Kalye Mabini, Malolos.
Kalye Mabini is famous for its affordable and tasty grilled pork baby back ribs. The ones we ate were delicious, mildly flavored, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Proprietor Jerome Mina said he sources the meat locally, and he visits the local markets almost daily to ensure the freshness of his products.
11) Have some lugaw at the famous Lugaw ni Abel in Malolos.
Owner Nene Bautista is very proud of her restaurant. Started in 1988, Lugaw ni Abel serves truly authentic lugaw.
Bautista said she uses beef bones to produce the tasty broth necessary for making real good lugaw.
There are different toppings you can add to your lugaw. My favorites were lengua (ox tongue) and isaw (chicken or pig intestines).
Other toppings are cow eyes, tuwalya and tokwa’t baboy.