Sci-fi Café: Awakening The Geek In Me

Last Friday night, boyfie wanted to test his new camera body and I wanted to eat at someplace unique. We immediately thought of The Sci-Fi Café which was recommended by a friend.

"The Sci-Fi Café is a concept restaurant located at the 4th floor, West Wing of Robinsons Galleria Ortigas Ave. corner EDSA, featuring pop culture reflected in sci-fi, fantasy and other fictional movies through the use of prop replicas, 1/6 scale action figures and movie posters as the overall theme of the restaurant serving American comfort food."

The concept started when the owner, Richard Chua, realized he had a vast toy collection which started in 2002. Majority of the toys on display are imported items from US and Hongkong. Some of them were acquired in Singapore and Australia, but the bulk of them was purchased locally.

We had passed by at this café countless times before but I was under the misconception that this was a toy shop.

Summer 2014 in ILOCOS (Day 3: Vigan)

We woke up late the following day and prepared for our last day in Ilocos. The hotel provided complimentary breakfast which we didn't appreciate since we don't eat corned beef. *Sigh. Downside of being a picky eater.

After a so-so breakfast, we rode a tricycle to the bus terminal with buses headed to Vigan. Travel time is 3 hours and bus fare is Php 80.00 each.

Accommodation

We were checked-in at Balai Mestizo Travelodge. I wouldn't recommend it for an overnight stay. Our room was full of little mosquitoes, the bed reeks of old linen, and the common restroom has no flush, tissue and dipper. It wasn't a big deal for us since we just needed a place to put our stuff in while roaming around Vigan. The family economy room costs Php 1,050.00.

We rode a tricycle for Php 130.00 to get to 6 tourist spot destinations in Vigan: Bantay Church and Bell Tower, Pagburnayan Vigan Pottery and Jar Making, Hidden Garden, Baluarte,  Syquia Mansion, and Calle Crisologo.

Itinerary

1. Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The Bantay Church, also known as St. Augustine Parish Church, was built by Augustinian Friars in 1590 making it one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur. It also houses the image of Our Lady of Charity, the Patroness of Ilocandia.

A few meters away from the church is the Bantay Bell Tower. You have to register first before entering the bell tower. There's no entrance fee but donations are accepted. :)

The Bantay Bell Tower was used as a watchtower for invading enemy forces during World Wars I and II because of its strategic location. Thus, the word 'Bantay' which means guard in English.

Summer 2014 in ILOCOS (Day 2: Laoag)

We left Juanita Uddon’s Homestay at 6:50 AM and rode a tricycle to the bus terminal. Coming from Pagudpud, it took us around 2 hours of non-stop drive to reach Laoag city. We paid Php 180.00 for the bus ride.

As soon as we arrived at the terminal, we immediately contacted our tricycle tour guide, Kuya Tots. For Php 700.00, you can already go around the tourist destinations of Laoag city. He served as our tour guide/photographer. You can reach Kuya Tots @ 09183801853.

Accommodation

We reserved a room at Northview Hotel, a budget hotel located in the Northern part of Airport Road which is approximately 1.5 km away from the city proper. We paid Php 1,750.00 for an overnight stay at their Standard Triple Room.

Since check-in time is @ 2:00 pm, we left our bags with the receptionist who willingly placed it in their storage for safekeeping until we return.

The hotel was ok and has an outdoor swimming pool. There are little mosquitoes inside our room, though. 

Itinerary

We had breakfast at Macy’s Diner which offers a wide variety of food from traditional Filipino dishes to American favorites. It's just beside Hotel Tiffany and is near the bus terminal. The place reminded me of 50's diner in Baguio. :)

The retro-themed Macy's diner.

This jukebox plays old American, Filipino, and Ilocano pop songs at Php 5.00/song.

The diner is filled with posters of 50's icons like James Dean and Elvis Presley.

Summer 2014 in ILOCOS (Day 1: Pagudpud)

To kick start our summer, my boyfriend, sister, and I unanimously decided to visit one of the top holiday destinations in the Philippines, the culture-rich but budget-friendly Ilocos. What’s not to love? You can find pristine beaches, 4x4 rides, heritage sites and natural wonders all in one place. 

Ilocos is divided into two independent provinces: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Pagudpud and Laoag are in Ilocos Norte while Vigan is in Ilocos Sur. We started with Pagudpud since it’s the farthest. The last day is for the nearest which is Vigan.


Bus Ride

We boarded an air-conditioned Florida bus in Espana for Php 700.00 each. We wanted a sleeper/deluxe bus but the trip is scheduled at 10pm.

The trip lasted for almost 11 hrs. and had 3 stopovers: Tarlac, La Union, and Laoag. From the bus terminal in Pagudpud, we rode a tricycle to our accommodation in Saud where cheap homestays can be found.

7:15 PM – Departure from Manila
5:49 AM – Arrival in Pagudpud

We're brimming with excitement for Day 1. :)