5.189 Diver Lunch

Cycle 5 – Item 189

13 (Sun) July 2014

Diver Lunch

3.5

by Anilao Scuba Dive Center

-Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines-

with BJH, et al.

Diving, day trip. Departed Manila at 0600, arrived in Anilao at 0800, breakfast, 2 morning dives, lunch, 1 afternoon dive, back in the car by 1600, back in Manila by 1800.

BREAKFAST

This time, we went to Anilao Scuba Dive Center (ASDC), a Korean establishment favored by BJH.

it’s much cheaper than neighboring places, 4,500 pesos per person is inclusive of a 1-night stay, 4 meals, 3 dives, including gear rental – by contrast, Pier Uno would charge more than 8,000 for the same.

Not a resort really, just a barebones dive shop.

Ramyeon and kimchi – if given a choice of eating anything from anywhere in the world at that moment, this is what I would’ve chosen.

LUNCH

*Dari-Laut, once a floating restaurant/casino that burned down in fire, allegedly set by the owner for insurance money.*

After the mornings dives, we stopped by a local fishing village for lunch. The locals charge 300 pesos per person to rent out a hut, which includes a barbecue grill that they’ll fire up and cook whatever foods brought by the diving group.

ASDC packed a thoroughly Korean spread, including rice + meats + ssam + banchan. The barbecued chicken and pork bellies were seasoned in a soy-based marinade and cooked over coals for a nice charred flavor. The sides were subpar but good enough. Everything tastes good after a dive, so we cleared the table.

This is definitely a major benefit of diving with a Korean operation.

DINNER

Try Every Korean Restaurant in Ermita and Malate (5) (see also TEKREM)

Surveying all the Korean eateries, including those serving Korean-Chinese fare, located in the neighborhoods of Ermita and Malate, nearby work and home. Minimum of 1 dish per place. Currently 45 establishments. Though anticipating that most of the places will be mediocre, I look forward to exploring more of my environment.

Bug Kyoung is a Korean and Korean-Chinese restaurant. Serves both Korean dishes and dishes in the Korean-Chinese tradition, none of which has absolutely nothing to do with Beijing/Peking. Serves soju. Open 24 hours. Moderately popular, never packed but never empty.

Upon our return, the plan had been to go somewhere nice for dinner, but JH suddenly fell ill, to the point of vomiting. By the time that we managed to get him home, the rest of us were exhausted and settled for Bug Kyoung, which was nearby.

The food was blah across the board.

In fairness, this less-than-glowing review notwithstanding, Bug Kyoung is generally acceptable for a late-night post-prandial snack, which I’ve enjoyed a couple times during my time here.