Just came back from a long drive to Manaoag, Pangasinan taking the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Express Way.  It took  us 30 minutes to reach Tarlac City from Clark exit. Then another one hour drive from Tarlac City to Manaoag Pangasinan passing by the towns of Paniqui and Moncada Tarlac, Carmen Rosales in Pangasinan, before reaching Urdaneta where a left turn will lead you to Manaoag.

We didn’t know that it was the first Sunday of the month so devotees flocked to the famous Our Lady of Manaoag Church. It’s a good thing a local prompted us to an alternative route, avoiding the traffic near the church entrance.  The payback? We were forced to buy 10 pieces of  candle for Php 150.

Anyway, the hussles and bustle of going to the Church were all worth it after we’ve paid our homage to Our Lady of Manaoag.

And of course, a trip to Pangasinan will not be complete if you will not be complete if you won’t have your lunch at the famous Matutina’s Restaurant.

We decided to go to Matutina’s Annex 2 which is just along the McArthur Hi-way near the Urdaneta Town Proper. It’s on the left side of the road if your heading back to Manila.

So what’s for lunch?

Mango Salad with Tomatos, Onions and Bagoong!  Simply the best!

Another great choice, Pinakbet with Chicharon and Fresh Ampalaya!

We also had Buttered Shrimps

And Sinigang na Bangus Belly (the Bangus is under the veggies)

Actually we also ordered Calamares and Bangus Sisig, but I forgot to take their photos because I enjoyed the feast so much.

Overall, it was a great road trip except for when we were exciting SCTEX on our way back to Manila. Some cops stopped us and told us that we were overspeeding. The maximum speed in SCTEX was up to 100km/hr. So, they asked for my driver’s license and was told to get it in LTO Edsa. WTF??!!!

Oh well, be warned when you take the SCTEX, there are speed detectors monitoring your speed, you’ll never know when it will catch you. Spoilsport!