Grill Seoul Korean BBQ in Clarkfield, Pampanga

Sometime ago this month, I was in Clarkfield, Pampanga for an invitation by the Clark Development Corporation. My trips to this former American airbase always bring back nostalgia. When I was still an assistant director and during my early years as a fashion director, I did shows in Mimosa courtesy of Mondragon and Holiday Inn Clark. The Clark then is a far-cry to what Clark is now. On the downside, the duty free shops have closed down. Only a few are left for business. On the upside, many other establishments have opened. Call centers, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other businesses have made Clark their business enclave. Thanks to the effective management of the people in Clark Development Corporation (CDC). One of the restaurants which is worthy of dining in is Grill Seoul Korean BBQ.

It is located at the back of Clark Museum. It is near the parade grounds of CDC. One cannot miss it especially in the evening because of its glaring lights both outside and inside. During the day, it can easily be seen because of the big letters of KOREAN BBQ on the facade. It's building is modern and one cannot even tell that it's a Korean restaurant save for the signage outside.

Even the interior of the restaurant is very modern. If not for the hanging pipes, one would not think that he is inside a Korean BBQ restaurant. I thought I was in a coffee shop. Lighting is as clean as the inside of the restaurant. I commend the staff for making sure that the place is as clean as can be. The feel is casual yet classy.

Food is definitely Korean but I think the restaurant gave it a modern twist. I am not an expert in Korean cuisine but by the looks of the food that we ordered, they are not the traditional Korean stuff but I should say that they still taste good. Price-wise, it is affordable considering the big servings. We were not able to order much that evening because we were already tired from judging Mr. and Ms. Clark 2015.

Grill Seoul Korean BBQ is one pitstop to go to when you are in Clark. The staff are friendly, price is reasonable, nice interiors, good Korean food with a twist and a sight to behold amidst the other establishments around.

Missing Manado (Indonesia)

A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Manado in the Province of Sulawesi Utara or North Sulawesi, Indonesia.  It is a fast-rising city that side of the Indonesian archipelago which is just a few miles south of Davao City.  The Manado trip was my first outside the Philippines (you can just imagine how many years ago that was).

Honestly, I was surprised to see that Manado is fast-becoming a bustling city in Indonesia.  Despite the forthcoming modernity, it has maintained its charm and allure.  Buildings are beginning to mushroom and businesses have sprung up.  Its population is also increasing through the years.

One thing that I have observed is the cleanliness of the city.  I thought that it being too far from the capital city of Jakarta, Manado would look like an area which is far from development.  But I was wrong.  It is because of the effective governance of its local government that it has breezed through with ease.  It is a city which can be called major in a few years.  It is one dive site where one can enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.

Hotels and resorts have been built to accommodate the influx of tourists.  Novotel Manado, where I stayed, is one hotel which gives five star service to its clients.  It has an infinity pool that has a good view of Manado Bay.  Other hotels are also available for the comfort of visitors.

Regular flights to this Indonesia city from Davao City have ceased a few years back but sometimes, there are chartered flights that ply the route.  Safely, one can fly to Jakarta first then take a domestic flight to Manado.

Should you decide to travel to Indonesia in a place less visited, Manado is a must-try.  Its peace and order is one of the best in the archipelago.  For whatever it may offer, it's for you to find out.  And, yes, I miss Manado.