DOTC Assures Public: Security Measures at Transport Facilities in Place

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In response to the bombing incidents in Belgium yesterday, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and all concerned agencies are working together to ensure continued safety of travel, as instructed by President Benigno Aquino III.

“We assure the public that the government is taking all the necessary measures to secure our airports, other transport facilities, and most especially our people, as they travel during this peak season and beyond. All concerned entities — from government and private sector alike — are ready to address any possible situation,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The DOTC has directed transport agencies and their security groups to be extra vigilant and further intensify security measures in additions to preparations made for the annual observance of Holy Week. Terminals and stations have been placed on heighted alert status. Other courses of action in order to bolster the security and safety of the public include implementation of checkpoint monitoring outside these transport facilities and increasing visibility of uniformed personnel.

“For the time being, we have no reason to fear similar events taking place in the country. We are merely taking precautionary steps and activating quick-response protocols in case any emergencies arise,” added Abaya.

Croque Cafe + Bakery: Committed to Freshness and Comfort

Wazzup Pilipinas!
"Croque pronounced as “Krohk” came from “croquer” which means crunch in French. It describes us well, as crunch pertains to freshness and comfort which basically who we are and what we serve." - Croque Cafe +Bakery

Croque Cafe + Bakery, a business venture of chef couple Alexa Abala and Paco Lao offers European-Filipino inspired dishes aside from their freshly-baked breads and pastries, and coffee classics. They also have other offerings that you would soon find out as you read this story of my dining experience at their restaurant.

Just like the other famous chef couple that I know (the Laudicos - Chef Roland and Chef Jackie), the lady chef specializes on the pastries, while her boyfriend would always be in the kitchen in charge of the hot dishes. I believe Alexa was the one who conceptualized the homey look of the resto which is now a trending look for other restos who want to project a cozy ambiance that's conducive to hanging out while reading a book, or for today's Millennials, browsing online through an iPad, smartphone or tablet, or simply passing the time chatting with friends.

It is not my first time to visit the cafe as I attended an event that was held there a few months ago but I never got back to visiting them on my own. However, I met Alexa in a certain gathering of people managing hotels, resorts and restaurants where they raffled off a gift certificate for the restaurant which I won. So that basically how I found my way back to the cafe to try again their dishes.

Busog Bonding Moment for the Family at Skippy's Bar and Grill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There's a popular saying that goes something like "The family that eats out a lot together, grows fat and chubby forever," or something similarly like that. I just added a twist to make it a little bit personalized and appropriate for our family.

Needless to say, we are a happy bunch who loves every opportunity of going out to eat. Thank goodness there's always an endless array of blessings which keeps us going out to share festive meals together.

We are the family that's always "busog" every time we decide to go out on a weekend or during special occasions where we celebrate a birthday, anniversary, an accomplishment or a long holiday when there's a longer vacation from school.

Thus you would guess that summer would be a time when we would mostly be out enjoying a family vacation, a hotel staycation, a restaurant visit - that's done usually after mass from our church morning visits - or simply going shopping at the nearest malls.

Among our weekend escapade is our visit to Skippy's Bar and Grill, an Australian restaurant that's not only open at night time for their beer-loving customers, it also welcomes families who want great Aussie-inspired dishes conceptualized by it's Australian owner together with his lovely Filipina wife.