Ready to jump in on some meat madness? This beef pares recipe is here to satisfy your cravings for a hearty soup.
Definitely a Filipino dish, beef pares is basically beef briskets simmered in broth mixed with several spices and tenderized to perfection. The broth used in the dish is usually a mixture of water, sugar, soy sauce, and spices including ginger, garlic, onion, and pepper.
If you want to serve this palatable dish in your next meal but don’t quite know how to cook it, here is a beef pares you can easily follow.
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Beef Pares Recipe Your Family Will Love
Here are the ingredients to prepare and steps to follow when cooking your own beef pares.
What to prepare
- 2 lbs beef brisket (this is just the usual cut, you can use flank, boneless beef shank)
- 2 pc beef (cut in cubes)
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp black pepper (ground)
- 4 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2 pc onion (minced)
- 6 tbsp scallions or green onions (chopped)
- 4 pc star anise
What to do
- Pour water into a pot then boil.
- Add the beef and boil for one to two hours or until meat is tender.
- Once tender, place the beef in a bowl and let it cool down. (Note: keep the stock used for boiling, as it will be needed in the next step).
- Cut the boiled meat in cubes.
- Pour cooking oil in a pan then let heat.
- In the pan, sauté the garlic, ginger, and onion.
- Add the cubed beef brisker and sauté for at most 3 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, 2 cups of beef stock (the same stock set aside in step no. 3), beef cubes, and star anise. Stir and boil.
- Add the salt as well as the black pepper. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add the scallions or green onions as garnishment.
- Serve.
Beef pares is best consumed with garlic fried rise and another bowl of hot soup. You can trust your family will love this dish and will ask you to prepare it again!
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The Philippines is a whole paradise of summer destinations. Wherever you go, you can bet there are a white sand beaches and hot springs waiting for you to explore. Its three large islands boast a whole array of tourist spots that are worthy of a spot on every travel buff’s bucket list.
Mindanao has Davao and Surigao, while the Visayas has Cebu and Boracay to take pride in. Luzon, being the largest of the three archipelagos, is expected to have more must-visit tourist destinations, and they’re not really wrong. The 105,000 km² island may be a little more crowded, but it is filled with travel spots that you wouldn’t want to miss.
One of the most famous regions in the area is Bicol. The place is known for so many things, but everybody will agree, when Bicol is talked about, the conversation almost always centers around Albay, as it is home to the famous Mayon Volcano, the stratovolcano famed for its symmetric conical shape.
But there is more to Bicol than Albay or the Mount Mayon or its ever-delicious Bicol Express. There are other places in the region that remain unexplored and unheard of—like the Caramoan Islands.
Located in the eastern part of Camarines Sur, Caramoan Islands is a second-class municipality subdivided into almost fifty barangays, each housing tourist destinations that are just waiting for the other part of the world to walk into.
The island offers a different kind of adventure you will want to take within this lifetime. If you are up for it, here are some of the best places to visit in Caramoan Islands and what makes them worth spending a whole summer in.
5 Best Places to Visit in Caramoan Islands
1. Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
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You’ll have to take more than 500 steps to reach the 26-foot image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Sounds exhausting for some, but for believers, every step is worth it. The image can be found Barangay Tabgon, the the Caglago Mountain. It is believed to be the tallest Marian statue in the Philippines and, once you reach the top, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the islands.
2. Sabitang Laya Island
As Carmoan Islands is technically a huge group of numerous islets, a lot of frequently visited spots in the area are its principal islands. One noteworthy example is the Sabitang Laya Island.
Are white sand beaches what you’re after? This triangular-shaped island should be your first stop. It is massive in size and boasts a huge stretch of white sand beach you could spend a whole day walking by and marveling at the beauty nature offers.
3. Hunongan Cove
Hunongan Cove is a secluded beach in Caramoan. Once an untouched haven, it has now been developed into resorts where tourists can spend peaceful nights and enjoy a walk along the heavily forested cliffs during the day. Gota Beach Resort, located beside the cove, is where most tourists stay. Although it will have you paying above the average resorts price, the place offers a luxurious by-the-beach experience you will never trade anything for.
4. Kagbalinad Island
Facing the Hunongan Cove is another island that is worth paying a visit. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Caramoan Islands, Kagbanilad is the island to be for snorkelers. The reeds you can explore in the area are more than enough for you to learn more about marine life. The island also has crystal-clear waters you can dive in days on end.
5. Tayak Lagoon
Mysteriously elegant is how most guests would describe the Tayak Lagoon in Malarad Island, Caramoan. It is not the largest lagoon in the country, nor is it the most abundant, but it definitely one of the most enchanting there is. Separated from the sea by a barrier, which is worth exploring in itself, the Tayak Lagoon is body of calm water that anyone would want to swim in. Serene and peaceful, it is perfect for those who just want a relaxing dip in the middle of the beautiful island.
No doubt our country is blessed with nature’s beauty, wherever you may be in this archipelago, there are stunning tourist destinations waiting for you. Check this list of undiscovered tourist destinations around the Philippines you wouldn’t want to miss off your bucket list.
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Technology has taken over our lives, and at this point, we don’t even have a reason to contest that. Kids as young as 8 already have smartphones, so they end up spending most of their day staring at their devices, playing mobile games or chatting with friends. Of course, that does not apply to everyone, but it can’t be denied that it’s true for the majority. Years ago, a child’s typical day went a different way.
In the Philippines, long before Clash of Clans and Dota 2 hopped into the picture, there were games that helped young boys and girls spend their weekend in a more fun and interactive way. There are Pinoy street games like sipa, luksong baka, and tumbang preso. But there are also games that don’t require the players to do anything but to sit down facing each other and prepare their hands for the big fight. These are the hand-clapping games, and the Filipinos love them!
Hand-Clapping Games That Helped Shape Our Younger Years
They might not be played as often as they used to be before, maybe kids today haven’t even heard of them. But that does not make them less of a fun way to spend the day. Here are some of the hand-clapping games we will never forget and will always go back to when the digital world seems too much.
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1. I Wanna Be a Tutubi
Its name literally translates to “I want to be a dragonfly,” but this game has nothing to do with those insects. In I Wanna Be a Tutubi, while singing the Tutubi song, a pebble is passed around by all players except for one who serves as the taya. The taya will have to guess which player has the pebble at the end of the round.
The song goes, “I wanna be a tutubi na walang tinatagong bato sa aking kamay na nahulog sa lupa tinuka ng manok na nanggaling sa bundok!” (We live for rhymes, so tutubi seems to be the best choice.)
2. Si Ana Ay Bata Pa
“Si Ana ay bata pa kaya ang sabi niya ay um-ah-um-ah-ah. Si Ana ay dalaga na kaya ang sabi niya ay um-ah-um-ah-ah.”
This is how the song for the hand-clapping game Si Ana Ay Bata Pa goes. The title translates to Ana Is Still a Child, and the song—and the game’s main goal, safe to say—tells the story of a kid named Ana from when she was still a kid to her eventual death.
3. We Gonna Beng
We Gonna Beng is way simpler than most hand-clapping games, although you need to have a sharp memory, good enough to memorize the claps and all the gun-hand movements so you won’t get eliminated. This game can be played by two people or more.
The players just need to do the right hand movements as they sing the lines “We gonna beng! Beng! Beng!” Whoever makes a mistake is out.
4. Concentration
In Concentration, the game starts by singing the “Concentration” song. Each player then gives a number, which will determine how many times the players will clap.
5. Chimpoy, Champoy
The usual jak-en-poy (rock, paper, scissors) is so mainstream that some came up with a quite similar game but with a twist.
The song that comes with the game goes, “Chimpoy, champoy, jako jako ne. Jako jako oink-oink. Jako jako ne. Jako jako beh beh. Jako jako ne. Jako jako amen. Jako jako ne.”
Both players will sing the song. The “jako jako ne” part is a cue to do the jak-en-poy. After this, each player will have to sing a different line. The winner sings the “jako jako beh beh” and sticks their tongue out, while the loser will say “jako jako oink oink” then point to their nose. “Jako jako amen” is sung if it’s a draw complete with the pray gesture.
The secret to winning the game is to be attentive. You don’t really have to be good at rock, paper, scissors because what matters is you know which line to sing and which gesture to do so you won’t get eliminated.
Our childhood throwback isn’t over yet, check this article about the Filipino favorite childhood snacks. What’s your favorite?
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It’s the month of June. Wedding bells are ringing!
Why June is tagged the wedding month, nobody really knows. It could be because it’s the middle of the year and just appears to be the best time to get married. Or maybe it’s because it’s the month of Juno, the goddess known for being the protector of women, especially in marriage and childbearing. Either way, the sixth month of the year remains the most popular time to marry and will probably hold that title forever.
When people marry, there’s a lot to prepare. While some prefer to hire a wedding planner and have them decide on everything, there are couples who choose to handle the planning themselves. If you are one of the latter, then you must have a lot in your mind right now.
One of the challenges here is looking for the perfect wedding venue. It’s one of the biggest days of your life, it’s the day when you and your partner become one, so every single thing about this big event has to be special. When looking for the best place to hold your wedding, convenience is not the only factor to consider.
Before anything else, you have to decide whether you’ll go for a church wedding, a beach wedding, or a garden wedding. No matter your choice, though, you can trust that you won’t have to fly to another country just to make your dream wedding come true.
Best Places to Get Married in the Philippines to Make Your Big Day Even More Magical
There are a lot of destinations in the country perfect for such an important occasion. Here are some of the best places to get married in the Philippines.
1.Baguio
If a magical garden event is your kind of wedding, then Baguio is the place to be.
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People prefer a garden wedding for many reasons. One, the garden sets the perfect atmosphere and scene for such a memorable event. The peaceful backdrop nature gives just adds to the beauty of the occasion. Plus, since garden weddings usually take place during the day, you save money on lights. These venues also need little to no floral decorations, saving you more.
Now you’re asking where the perfect garden wedding venues are? Baguio got your back.
The City of Pines is perfect for that romantic destination wedding. Most recommended venues include The Manor at Camp John Hay, the Camp John Hay Gold Clubhouse, and the Baguio Country Club Infinity Garden.
Picturesque view and cozy climate, safe to say, Baguio is not just the Summer Capital of the Philippines now, it’s also one of the country’s best places for that fairy tale–like garden wedding.
2.Tagaytay
Another city with a climate that gives off a romantic vibe, Tagaytay has become one of the best places to get married in the Philippines.
Just like Baguio, couples who go to Tagaytay to tie the knot choose to have a garden wedding. With the fresh air and breathtaking view it offers, it does not really come as a surprise.
There are a lot of places in Tagaytay that look like they exist especially to help every man and woman in love realize their dream to walk down the aisle in the most magical way possible. The Tagaytay Highlands is a good example, the mountain resort famous for its world-class amenities, and there’s the Farm Hills Garden too. The Hills at Silang is also another popular wedding venue in Tagaytay. It has all you might need, from the perfect location for the reception to bridal and groom’s suites.
3.Batanes
If you’re not fond of garden weddings, then maybe the beach is where you should host your big day. Batanes, a province in the Cagayan Valley region, is not only a famous summer getaway destination, it is also one of the best places to say your I-dos.
An archipelago known for the white sand beaches it houses, Batanes has become a must-visit site for those who have their hearts set on a destination wedding by the sea.
The Marlboro Country and Blue Hills is one of the first places you’ll hear about when it comes to the best wedding venues in Batanes. The place’s postcard-worthy view turns your big day into a ceremony you thought was only possible in movies.
And you know what’s the good thing about it? It makes for a great honeymoon destination too! Saves you the from the hassle brought about by traveling to another city or province just to have that romantic vacation with your spouse.
4.Manila
Of course, no matter how exciting a destination wedding sounds like, a good number of couples still want to say their vows in the house of God. And if a church wedding has been your plan from the very beginning, you don’t really have to worry about finding the best venues; Manila is home to some of the country’s most beautiful chapels perfect for that big day.
The Manila Cathedral remains one of the best places to get married in the Philippines and has always been soon-to-be-wed couples’ first choice. Another beautiful chapel to get married in is the San Agustin Church, which is also in Manila. Also, a popular choice is the Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary, which boasts an elegant altar, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
To ask for the hand of the woman you love and to say yes to the proposal of the man you adore is not an easy decision to make. Getting married is not the end of your love story; rather, it is the start of a new chapter that you have to live through together. It is a very important day, so it is only fitting that you spend a good amount of time deciding on where you want to hold your wedding. You only get married once, make it memorable.
Did you know that dowry is still practiced in marriages? Read about how significant this wedding practice is.
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Filipinos love to feast on sour mangoes, especially when it is the season of it. But we can all agree, eating green mangoes by itself is too plain and boring that we often feel the need to pair it with something—sometimes with salt, more frequently with bagoong guisado.
Bagoong guisado or sauteéd shrimp paste is basically fermented small shrimps sauteed with onion, garlic, tomato, and pork. It is often used as a condiment, not just to counter the sourness of mangoes but also to add flavor to many beef and pork dishes. It can also be eaten as a separate dish often consumed with rice.
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Preparing bagoong guisado is actually quite easy. Take a look at the bagoong guisado recipe we prepared below.
Real-Pinoy Bagoong Guisado Recipe
(Note: This bagoong guisado recipe yields twelve servings.)
Ingredients
8 oz pork (with fat and sliced)
24 oz shrimp paste
7 tbsp sugar
6 tsp vinegar
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 small onions, minced
2 tomato (medium-sized and diced)
Instructions
Follow these steps to making your own bagoong guisado:
1. Prepare a pan and heat it.
2. Pan-sear the pork until oil comes out for most flavor.
3. Add the shrimp paste and sugar, then pour vinegar into the pan. Stir properly.
4. Cook in low heat for as long as 15 mins. (Don’t forget to stir from time to time with a reasonable time interval.)
5. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
6. Serve and enjoy!
As mentioned, you can use this bagoong guisado recipe to prepare a dish that your family can eat with steamed rice. Or you can use it as a condiment. If you’re expecting some guests, maybe you can prepare some green mangoes too and pair it with the bagoong guisado. Either way, trust that you can never go wrong with this mouth-watering dish.
Check our special pinakbet recipe and add the bagoong guisado for a more flavorful Filipino dish!
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When you hear the name Bohol, what comes to your mind first? Chocolate Hills, most probably, as is the case for everybody else. That’s understandable, though. We grew up getting shown photos of Bohol with only the Chocolate Hills in it. Even when you look the place up on Google, it’s a photo of the Chocolate Hills that will greet you.
It’s not a bad thing; in fact, it’s good that the city is widely known for such an enchanting tourist spot. What’s wrong is when people fail to recognize that there’s more to this Visayan paradise than this set of little hills.
Bohol’s beauty doesn’t stop at these grass-covered hills. Here are some other Bohol tourist attractions you must see for yourself.
Bohol Tourist Attractions You Should Include in Your Travel Bucket List
Get to know other Bohol tourist attractions that are just as amazing and worth visiting as the Chocolate Hills.
1. Mag-Aso Falls
Mag-Aso Falls is a 25-foot twin waterfalls located in Antequera, Bohol. The clean water perfect for swimming aren’t the only thing this spot is known for; the mesmerizing landscape surrounding is another reason guests are attracted to this place.
2. Punta Cruz Watchtower
One with a rich history, Bohol has a lot of tourist destinations that are reflective of its eventful past. One of those is the Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc, Bohol. The Spanish colonial era fortification is known for taking a shape that resembles a perfect isosceles triangle. For only five pesos, you can go inside the watchtower and revisit a piece of history you would have never understood by just reading a book.
3. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Banaue isn’t the only place that has rice terraces to boast, Bohol has its own rice terraces too.
Called the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Bohol’s own version of the famous tourist spot in Cordillera can be found in Candijay, Bohol. Locals believe that the terraces were made thousands of years ago by their ancestors as a source of livelihood. The panoramic view of the golden yellow plain this place offers is a sight to behold.
4. Cabagnow Cave Pool
Anda is another municipality that hides a natural treasure you won’t regret visiting. Undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions, the Cabagnow Cave Pool in Bacong, Anda, is a five- to twenty-five-foot-feep brackish water that visitors flock to for a refreshing swim. The cave pool is so famous that it has once been featured in a local movie.
5. Firefly Watching Tour
In need of a unique adventure? Firefly watching in Bohol is probably what you’ve been looking for. Not every city in the Philippines offers an experience like this, so if you want to see fireflies lighting up the world all at the same time (maybe because you just want to see if that Owl City song can happen in real life), you just have to book that Bohol trip.
Watching fireflies at night on a kayak around the Abatan River has become one of the most famous Bohol tourist attractions. One cannot simply leave the island without trying it out. With a 500-peso fee that is inclusive of tour, jacket and boat rental, and the entrance fee, every penny you spend on this experience is worth it.
The Philippines is a powerhouse of tourist destinations that are straight out of a fairy tale. It’s just a matter of getting to know these places better and what makes them worth a visit. Once you get a sight of them, you’ll realize that you don’t have to travel so far to see a real paradise on earth, that sometimes, they’re just right where you are.
If you can’t get enough of the beautiful places in Bohol island as you explore, check these scenic locations in Visayas for your next adventure!
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