Travel & Food: Tour de France @ Spiral this July
Tour de France @ Spiral
This month of July, Spiral Manila pays tribute to an conic cycling event race in the world, Tour de France. Now celebrating its 100th glorious year, experience the thrill and excitement of the race through a gastronomic ride of French culinary at Spiral.
Nice, 1- 7th July
On its first stop to its culinary adventure, Spiral takes you to the still blue waters, lovely seaside promenades and picturesque views of Nice. Being the second most visited French city after Paris, Nice doesn’t only offer its breath taking view of the Mediterranean Sea but also its rich cuisine, a mixture of Italian and French cooking. Travel through your taste buds and enjoy an exclusive menu at Spiral inspired by the culinary masterpieces of Nice.
Explore Nice’ crystal blue waters and discover its hidden jewels through Spiral’s Cod Fish Aioli, a tender seafood dish perfectly paired with rock salt, garlic and lemon juice. Explore its typical Mediterranean landscape through its classic Nicoise salad, stuffed vegetable – Nice’ version of oven baked stuffed bell peppers with ground beef. Sweet endings are truly deserved with this specially made Tropezienne tart made from brioche and filled with buttercream and pastry cream.
Cod Fish Aioli (right) and Cote de boeuf (left)
Steamed Scallops in Black Bean Sauce and Onion Pissaladierie
Périgord, 8th- 14th July
An elaborate and exciting heritage culinary tour is waiting as Spiral in Sofitel Manila presents its collection of lavish dishes inspired by the French region of Périgord. Travel back in time and experience French luxury at its finest through a feast of Spiral’s exquisite Périgord inspired dishes.
Choose from the classic French favorite duck confit cassoulet, salardais style potato with truffle and sautéed porcini with truffle. Enjoy Spiral’s version of the city’s signature dishes like the Périgord salad, a very popular duck dish that originated from Périgord, pan-fried beef bordelaise and the traditional French garbure soup perfectly paired with ham and stale bread. Desserts are best experienced at Spiral with its delightful collection of Périgord inspired sweets and more, a tour of Périgord’s rich culture and heritage is truly completed at Spiral.
Duck Confit Cassoulet and Lamb Chops with Roasted Eggplant
Sauteed Porcini with Truffle
Brittany, 15th – 21st July
Experience the best culinary marvels from the French region of Brittany through masterpieces such as the iconic savory buckwheat Crepe and lobster bisque soup will really let you experience the region’s grandness and beauty, taking you to the region’s magnificently designed chateaus and ancient castles. Surrounded by the sea, Brittany offers a wide range of fresh seafood and fish, especially mussels and oysters
Travel through the countryside and experience the splendor of French living with the following authentic French culinary masterpieces of the region. Try its healthy artichoke and green bean salad which is one of the region’s famous dish. Save the best for last as Spiral also presents the best desserts of the region. Enjoy the mouth watering breton butter cake; this delicious treat is from the town of Douarnenez located in the west of France in the Brittany region. This delectable treat is best served with a warm glass of cider.
Pan fried Scallop w/ Leek Mussel Mariniere
Savory Buckwheat Crepe
Savoy, 22th – 28th July
Being the last stop of Sofitel Manila‘s Spiral culinary adventure for the tour de France, prepare for an artistic and exclusive feast of gastronomic masterpieces featuring the wonders of the French region of Savoy.
Experience France like never before with Savoy’s breathtaking views of the French mountains and its cuisine offering that will definitely delight everyone. Enjoy a selection of authentic French dishes specially made by the Spiral Master Chefs such as quiche lorraine and savoy’s classic favorite potato reblochon cheese gratin. Enjoy the region’s authentic favorites such as the its signature savoyard pork and vegetable stew, the classic mushroom cream chicken fricassee that makes a mouth tantalizing delight and the garden vegetable fricassee. Savoy is also a home to France’s most delectable desserts such as the Spiral’s version of the favorite cherry clafoutis tart.
Potato Reblochon Cheese Gratin
Quiche Lorraine & Tropezienne Tart (from Nice)
Celebrate the most anticipated Tour de France through Spiral‘s creations. For reservations, contact (632) 832.6988, (632) 551.5555 ext. 6988, email [email protected], or visit www.spiralmanila.com and ‘Spiral Manila‘ in Facebook.
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Fly to Hawaii
Aside from a tour around Europe, a trip to Hawaii is one of the most fleeting dream I have. It’s like the travel opportunity you always wanted, but your pocket would not permit.
Corregidor Adventure with Columbia Sportswear
Corregidor Adventure
The work week ended great with a day trip to Corregidor Island and a photo challenge with Columbia Sportswear Philippines.
Sun Cruises
Only an hour and half ferry ride away from Manila, one would be surprised that this is actually the first time travel blog Let’s Go Sago have laid foot in Corregidor Island.
The day started with the Sun Cruises‘ ferry ride near Harbour Square along Manila Bay. After getting clad with the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt, we were ready to set forth.
Sun Cruises @ Manila Bay Terminal
The 1 1/2 hr Ferry Ride
The ferry ride was actually very similar to the ferry ride in HongKong going to Macau, only smaller and faster. Make sure to be ready with your burp bags just in case you have a sensitive tummy.
The Corregidor Adventure
Also known as “the Rock,” the island fortress of Corregidor serves as a memorial for the heroism of its Filipino and American defenders during World War II. We docked at the eastern part of Corregidor Island. The atmosphere was welcoming and the tourist buses which looked more like trams were perfect for the nature of the tour.
Welcome to Corregidor Island
“Tourist Bus” / Trams
Our friendly and funny tour guide Armand made sure the rest of the day was fun with his jokes and humors interjected every now and then while sharing to us Corregidor’s extensive history and World War II facts.
First Canon
Kuya Armand, the funny “Tour Guide”
Our first stop was a a big canyon beyond life-size imagination.I came to know that it was operated not by one but by a group of soldiers back then with each bomb measuring about 12 inches think.
Imagine that!
This was followed by a visit to the Battery Grubbs, Mile Long Barracks, the historic Malinta Tunnel, and the Eternal Flame at the Pacific War Memorial (more photos on these on Friday’s next post).
Battery Grubbs
More canons
Lets’ Go Sago’s official entry to the Corregidor Photo Challenge by Columbia Sportswear Philippines
We also visited ruins, bases, barracks, a lighthouse, and more canons.
We relieved our history books from elementary years about how the Americans and Filipinos defended Corregidor way beyond the fall of Bataan. Imagine the whole island devoid of trees and forests with hundreds of bombs landing every single day during the battle.
Corregidor Ruins
Corregidor Canons (Sago at the center)
More World War II ruins
Eternal Flame
Altar at the Freedom Park
Pacific War Memorial (Freedom Park)
After the war, it was again devastated when the Americans took the island back from the Japanese conquerors and how they fought back with honor to the point of sacrificing their own lives rather than to surrender to enemies. Thousands of Japanese died, through self infliction or otherwise.
This history of bravery, honor, and horror is what constitute the story of Corregidor beyond the island and the waters surrounding it.
Corregidor Museum
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
Let’s Go Sago wearing the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero collared shirt
After the tour, we were able to freshen up at the island hotel where the Columbia Sportswear Philippine group was waiting for us and assisted us through a thermal screen test revealing our bodily temperature.
The red color means the temperature remains hot while the blue ones, where perspiration mostly happen, means it’s cool.
Using sweat, the Omni Freeze Zero technology acts by accelerating the wicking process to keep the wearer dry and lower the fabric’s temperature effectively cooling off the wearer under hot environments.
This part explained the system behind the technology we were wearing all along. It was great to know that together in our historic and fun adventure, was a science that keeps us cool when necessary.
Cedric Valera of Travel Factor undergoing the thermal screen test. Observe the reddish result from the person beside him while Ced (on right) has a lot of “cool” blue spots on his Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt.
Corregidor Island is not a destination, it’s an eye-opening ride through the World War 2 era of bombs and tunnels. It was an experience of history and adventure that can leave you perspiring at the end of the tour so be sure to equip yourself with the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt to stay cool all along the journey. I also learned that the island offers more activities beyond what we had including zip lines and other team building activities with overnight accommodations.
Camiguin: The Powdery Sands of White Island
“A C-shaped white powdery sand bar” is how our boat captain described the White Island of Camiguin in his own native language. There’s nothing in the island – no trees, no cabanas – except two or three tables set-up where food is being sold. However, this simplicity is somewhat can make you fall in love with the island.
Yumbing Boat Terminal Going To White Island, Camiguin
White Island, Camiguin
We departed from the Sunken Cemetery around 4:20 pm for our next destination, Camiguin‘s White Island.
We were divided into two groups, each boat can accommodate up to six persons only. Unlike our trip going to Mantigue Island, it was a smooth sailing one where the ocean was calm. Aside from that, there were no other travelers at Yumbing Terminal, perhaps they were already in the island to catch the sunset.
Clear waters of Camiguin
sea grass along the shores of White Island
I was blown away as our boat come closer to the picturesque White Island with Mt. Hibok-Hibok as its backdrop. Its shape, the pure white sand and the clear water – the view was simply breathtaking. With only a handful of fellow visitors, you can hear clearly the waves of the ocean as it rushed to my feet.
White Island
A Panoramic view of White Island, Camiguin
White Island, Camiguin
White Sand
It’s a perfect location to wear your two-piece while relaxing under the heat of the sun, there were a few guests when we arrived. I passed by two foreigners who probably came from snorkeling.
For those who are not adventurous, you can just swim and experience the cool and clear water of the island.
Mt. Hibok-Hibok on the background.
If I’m not mistaken, this is the only white sand beach I saw during the entire trip. Although, Mantigue island leaves you with a wonderful experience under the water – swimming with sea turtles and different kinds of fish, White Island remains my favorite from the many attractions we’ve seen. I find peace in its simplicity.
*Story & Photo by Marjorie Pineda-Uy
Moreover, a small group of friends can rent a boat going to White Island at about P500 and rent a snorkeling gear at P100. If you’re planning to visit the White Island of Camiguin and bring food, please don’t forget to do the aftercare. Let’s help in preserving this paradise.