If you're longing for fresh country breezes, lush greenery and unobstructed view of verdant hills and plains, take a long road trip to Northern Iloilo and visit Dafalongs Garden Cafe and Mini Park in Brgy. Bagacay in  San Dionisio. San Dionisio is a 100-kilometer drive from Iloilo City and if you're planning to go, it's best to leave early to soak in the beauty of neighboring towns.

Dafalongs Garden Cafe and Mini Park is located right along the national highway so it's not hard to miss. Upon entry, you will be greeted by a cozy, cabin style cafe made of handcrafted, homegrown wood in rustic, bespoke interiors. From the flooring to the exposed wooden beams and trusses, the cafe in itself is a work of art.  Enjoy the  360 degree views with a cup of native iced coffee or  locally sourced brewed coffee served in charming, farm inspired enamel or sartin coffee cups. Pair it with a slice of rich brownies or cake that the owner bakes herself. The best thing I love about the cafe is that it is a safe place to enjoy in the safety bubble of your family or friends without worrying about indoor coronavirus transmission. The cafe is the closest thing to dining outdoors with non-stop breezes and cool air. Now if only I can bottle the country air and take it home! If you plan to visit, send a reservation thru their  Facebook page. You can also make inquiries and reservation about plants and landscaping materials available for sale.

A carpet grass sofa and table focal point surrounded by a lotus and water hyacinth pond

The al fresco portion of Dafalongs Garden cafe where you can enjoy the surrounding flowers and tropical plants while savoring their food and drink offerings

Fiddle leaf plants (yes, it's available for sale) meet your gaze as you look at the mountain which was once Panay Island's most beautiful. The mountain is recovering its lushness after it was battered by Typhoon Yolanda several years ago.

Landscaping and indoor plants for sale

I regret taking Boracay Island for granted. :(

Aquamarine, seafoam and turquoise- colors of nature that I truly miss. Hmmm, I wonder when can I see the sea again? I hate to be bothered by tons of travel requirements, expensive COVID-19 screenings  and paranoia just to visit a nearby tropical island so in the meantime, a virtual beach vacay will cure me from severe cabin fever. This virtual island getaway to Aruba looks really good.  I'm staying home and staying safe.

Images from Akamon Ramen and respective owners

During the first few months of the lockdown, only a few restaurants such as Carlos Bakeshop were on the food delivery platform. On days when it’s impossible (read: lazy) to cook for decent meals, I would order comfort foods like dinuguan (pork blood stew) or callos.  Having my favorite meals delivered right at home somewhat saved staved off my pandemic induced anxiety since I realized won’t be dying of hunger in case I can’t go out to buy food.

A few more months after, the Grab and Foodpanda platforms were suddenly awashed with mik tea shops too numerous to induce a sugar coma. Likewise, a lot of restaurants offering diverse cuisines were also sprouting making decision making an arduous task. Nowadays, I order food delivery twice or thrice a week, trying out random food shops. It's a hit or miss, a trial and error or a regrets, regrets kind of thing. Based  on my 11 months or so of food delivery experience,  I have come up with my definitive list of value for money, value for taste buds online food shops. Here are my top 10:

3. Sisig Express

When you are craving for a lusty meal of hot and spicy sisig, this is the food shop of choice. The sisig is good and bold and richly satisfying.  The shop is just a few  kilometers away from our house so the Foodpanda delivery guy appears at my doorstep faster than I can find my wallet. 

4. Akamon Ramen Bar

A good place to get my Japanese food fix at sensible prices. The ramen arrives steaming hot and everything is well packed. Ready to chow  goodness while I watch my fave J-drama. It's also a great office lunch choice since Akamon Ramen Bar at SM Strata is just nearby.

5. Buto't Balat

I miss dining Buto't Balat's garden veranda while savoring Ilonggo signature dishes like caldereta, crispy talong and bangus sisig. When the craving hits me, there's the food delivery app to turn to. The food arrives quickly too. Just add apple flavored beer and it's like old times once again!

5. Eduardo's Taqueria

This online shop by Chef Sal has a cult following. The Mexican dishes are authentic in taste and texture and I am always groaning or cursing in delight in  after every meal. This shop is the real deal!  This shop is not on Foodpanda or Grab and you have to visit their Facebook page  to order. The food is quite pricey but worth every freaking centavo.  Viva la Eduardo's Taqueria!

6.  Mr. Misono

An online fave just like Akamon Ramen. This is no nonsense Japanese food cooked and delivered fast! The bento meals are good for busy work at home days. 

8. Teriyaki Boy 

When I want to treat myself to a bit of premium Japanese food I order my favorite bento box meal from here. Always a treat for the tastebuds!

9. Carlos Bakeshop

My quarantine lifesaver!  When I was craving for their homey Ilonggo fast food dishes like Pancit Molo or Carlos' Spaghetti and chocolate dream cake, all I did was tap away on Grab Food. Instant gratification achieved!

10. Jollibee 

After spending 10 minutes on the food delivery app and I still can't decide on anything, there's good o'l Jollibee to the rescue. It's always a good choice for lazy weekends!

As if Iloilo City is not dreamy already, we reimagine it as a magical place called Wakanda of the Philippines where the past fuses with the present. A land of kind and noble people with a charming heritage.

We add a bit of celestial fantasy to Iloilo River's majestic backdrop made possible by Photoshop Camera's AI powered lenses. Take a virtual stroll through these beautifully surreal landscapes with a loved one (or in my case my favorite imaginary k-drama actor).