Food Review: Junia Restaurant, Al-Mubarraz, Al-Ahsa

Junia Restaurant offers a wide selection of Lebanese and Arabic dishes, ranging from lamb, chicken, and fish specialties to flavorful biryani meals. The portions are ideal for individual diners, yet generous enough to leave you fully satisfied. The dishes are rich in flavor and consistently prepared.

During our visit, we ordered the Mixed Grill, which included chicken and beef kebabs along with various grilled meats, as well as their Grilled Chicken. The flavors were well-balanced, mild, and not overpowering, making them enjoyable when paired with fresh vegetables and a squeeze of lemon. The grilled chicken was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection, while the freshly baked bread was best enjoyed warm straight from the kitchen.

The beverages were equally impressive. I ordered the Guava Juice, which had a pleasant natural sweetness and a mildly thick consistency that highlighted the fruit's authentic flavor. My friends chose the Lemon Mint Juice, made with real mint leaves, and found it refreshing, vibrant, and not overly sour.

For those in or near Al-Mubarraz, Junia Restaurant is a must-visit destination if you are looking for a cozy atmosphere and a satisfying Lebanese-Arabic dining experience.

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Walking in the Rain (A Poem)

 

Walking in the Rain 

-Flordeliz Fullo 

 

Walking on my way home with a lingering heaviness in my heart; 

This gnawing pain that I had since the day I fell in love in the dark. 

Throughout uncertainty and confusion as the raindrops fell; 

They sting like needles pricking me in this never-ending spell. 

 

My eyes were once windows of endless passion and dreams so pure; 

Are now globes dripped with salty flowing tears that never endure. 

The reminiscence of a mysterious power that led me to despair; 

Your name is the rain that persecutes my emotions out of thin air. 

 

The coldness of the strong winds makes my delicate soul shiver; 

I still choose to saunter with this deep agony I cannot deter. 

To bathe in anguish within my being as I suffer in this misery; 

Searching for my lost childlike affections gifted with sincere amity. 

 

I am lost in the middle of nowhere asking myself what did I do wrong? 

Why do my unconditional love for you and harmony could not get along? 

In those countless of times, I gave my all to be with the one I so adore. 

At the end of it all, I let my emotions for you wreck me to the core. 

 

I stand while the rain poured down on me to let it wash away everything; 

The melancholy engulfed in the affliction of my deepest regrets. 

Weeping in the darkness of the clouds with voiceless screaming; 

In the sorrowful sound of ripples on the ground it all shall rest. 

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Long Beach, San Vicente Palawan: The Longest White Beach in the Philippines

 

The serene shore of the Long Beach in the afternoon.

Having visited some popular shores in the Philippines, the Long Beach found in San Vicente Palawan was one of my lifetime favorites. The province is renowned for its world class tourism showcasing the very famous El-Nido, Coron, the luxurious Amanpulo or the far Balabac but this beach has a lot to offer just like the other beaches of the province. My visit last 2018 was unforgettable. I was invited as one of the bloggers to feature the very first Palawan International Film Festival spearheaded by our very own Director Dante Nico Garcia, the head behind the world class film Ploning. The festival not only gave us a glimpse of the movie entries but also of nature unspoiled in the quiet town of San Vicente. We reached the town after more than three hours from the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa via private van. Another method is through plane as San Vicente has its own airport catering direct flights for different airlines.

Look at those gorgeous colors of the sand and the sea.

The great Long Beach of San Vicente Palawan is the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. The sand is not as total white like Boracay’s, it is more of light beige and the texture is fine just like in some islands in El-Nido. It is one of the most promising tourist destinations that are predicted to rival the mainstream beaches in the Philippines although deep inside me, I hope that it could be preserved just as it is because of its virginity to commercial tourism and that its local residents will continue to take care of the beach for generations to come. The beachfront of 14.7 kilometers spans in four barangays that you can tour by a motorcycle or a car, those barangays are Poblacion, New Agutaya, San Isidro and Alimanguan.

This is me falling in love at the first sight of the beach!

Strolling through the expanse of the long beach gives you a relaxing vibe that could release all your stress and worries if you want to refresh your mental health and take a break as there are no huge crowds along the area. Those coconut trees along the Rocky Mountains surrounding the sea are just so divine and truly worth the travel. The sea is perfect as waves were high the afternoon. The color of the beach water is greenish blue turquoise, an eye candy for beach lovers.

Tropical vibes!

If you plan for more adventures to do in the town, you can try Island Hopping in Port Barton and nearby Islands and visit Bato ni Ningning, the landmark that will give you a full view of the long beach up high.

Look at those waves!

Sunset at GaStation. #InternationalPalawanFilmFestival

Priceless Sunset.

Serenity.

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Turkish Food Delight: Tolie Restaurant in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Tolie Restaurant is a Turkish Specialty Restaurant located in King Faisal Street, Abha 62521. If you are craving for authentic quality Turkish delicacy while enjoying the great city view of Abha then this restaurant is a must try. After a day tour in the Saudi Arabia’s summer capital our group decided to have a dinner, to try some Turkish food and it did not disappoint. The price may be slightly hefty, hence considering the overall cuisine, staff service and great ambiance it would be all totally worth it.

For a group of six persons, we ordered Chicken Wings, Humus, Mix Grill and Chicken Belen Tava, Muttabal for the main dish added by Fattoush Salad as side dish. They also served us Fresh Orange, Fresh Lemonade and Watermelon Juice.

My personal favorite is the Mix Grill, composed different kinds of meat; it is a delight for meat lovers out there. The grill is so tender and flavorful.  The Humus is great for dipping some breads and mixing with rice or meat. The drinks are refreshing and very natural in taste. They also serve complimentary Turkish sweets and tea after the meal.

Staff service was also great. The personnel were always quick to help if we need something or answer inquiries regarding the menu. They were also friendly and accessible with smiles on their faces.

The ambiance is one of the great things we enjoyed; looking through the night lights of the city of Abha gives off a warm feel with all the nature decorations and fancy lights all over the place. The aesthetic is good for your social media sites and group pictures.

 You may reach out their site for the menu: https://www.overmenu.store/tolie

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/tolie_restorant

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Rijal Almaa Royal Heritage Village in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Rijal Almaa, also known as Royal Heritage Village is a historical tourism destination located in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. It is 45 km far from the regional capital Abha. Rich in historical significance, the village consists of 60 tall buildings made from clay, wood and stone that are conserved for today’s generation. It is also a landmark connecting passage to other provinces and cities like Gizan, Makkah, Madinah and the country of Yemen. The architectural designs of the old fortresses are so unique as well as its historical significance being a center of trace during the ancient times. It is so photogenic that it will give off great pictures for your social media and learn about history at the same time.

Also found inside the village is a museum that exhibits a collection of interesting archeological pieces like ancient manuscripts, tools, clothing and weapons. Feeding your history geek self is a library inside the complex showcasing a huge variety of religious manuscripts.

Last 2007, Rijal Almaa was given the Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage. It has been announced that the government is on application for the site to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Truly, an important tourist spot to visit in Saudi Arabia.

Photo Credits to Ms. Rachelle Jane Lagura and Ms. Arnella Bontong.

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Visiting Al-Soudah National Park in Abha

Al Soudah National Part is a part of a tourism village in Abha, Asir Region in Saudi Arabia. A vast place surrounded by huge mountain ranges you will enjoy sightseeing if you want a good joyride. Some do trekking and mountaineering within the terrains. Visitors enjoy the cool and humid climate due to its high altitude, a perfect summer destination.

We left Abha, City at evening then arrived on the mountains before twilight. We were amused by the geographical mountain structures surrounding the place with all the Juniper trees. Those rocky roads gave wonder on how they were formed.  It feels like a slow roller coaster ride while the sunset was approaching. There were fogs all over. One thing I love were the baboons, a huge number of these monkeys were playing and running around the edges of the mountainsides. Be sure to lock up your car window of they might go inside. You can bring bananas if you consider feeding them.

I advise you to visit the place before sunrise so that you can enjoy a clear view of the mountains as well as appreciate the setting sun. Truly, Al Soudah is a wonderful attraction worth visiting.

Photo Credits to Ms. Mei-Ye Madarimot and Ms. Rachelle Lagura.

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Makan Indian Fine Dining Restaurant - Najran City

If you are looking for good quality fine dining Indian Restaurant in Najran City, Maka Indian Fine Dining Restaurant is perfect for you Indian Cuisine cravings. Situated in 4447 Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Street, Najran, Saudi Arabia, they offer a wide range of Indian Cuisine in their menu. The ambiance is great with decorations and artworks depicting Indian Culture. Staff service is excellent and friendly. We enjoyed the Buttered Chiken and Masala, as Filipinos we requested for a less spicy taste so they adjusted the spiciness for us. All dishes were tasty from the appetizer to the main menu.

Credits to Ms. Ma. Catherine Sunico for most of the Photos.

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