One thing I miss most about life in USA.. there was always some good Mexican restaurant nearby. I guess that's because of mexico being located so close to USA , and because Mexican food is so darn delicious! Here in the Philippines, it is rare to find any Mexican food, unless you are a chef and cook it yourself like my buddy 
One place that has some good Mexican food that I like to go to is called Champas. It's located at SM mall in Bulacan, philippines.. we stayed in Bulacan for 8 months when we first moved to the philippines. The staff has to be the best part of going to champas. They are so friendly and were among the first to really talk to me after moving here. (one of the waiters, not even the one who was waiting on us, came over and chatted with me for 10 minutes.. i guess he wanted to practice his English skills)
On to some good food..
This is the first thing I always order no matter what Mexican place I'm at.. Where Da Nachoes?! I do prefer the kind with melted cheese and re-fried beans, but when in Bulacan, philippines, this a great find! I especially enjoy the jalepeno peppers because I luv me some hot & spicy food! Ma ang hang as they say in Tagalog. I also like the colorful chips they use. I prefer the red ones for some reason.
Here's a pic of something my wife got. I just wanted to show that they have more than just Mexican food. Nice looking chili dog.. but
This is another must get for me. (my kids luv it, too) A funny thing to note.. the quesadillas come with freshly made salsa, but the nachoes do not. Is it just me who likes my nacho's with some salsa? I also order a side order of the salsa to eat with my favorite dish.. the Mexican Cheese steak..
I've never seen this dish at any other Mexican restaurant I've been to, but it is great and one of the reasons I insist on going back to Champas whenever we go visit Bulacan.
Here are just some random shots I took to show the decor..
Here's a little difference between things in US vs Philippines.. my coke comes in the tall, skinny can instead of the shape that I'm used to.. :P
Champas also has good shakes and other drinks. (I like the blue lemonade drink they got) This is the mango smoothie that my wife got..
To top off this great dining experience, I make the long walk (no, not quite as bad as on GOT, but i don't like walking and it is a good 5 minutes walk for me) to this little drink kiosk at the other end of the mall. Its called Java Lava. Interesting how they make their drinks.. they use a powder and mix different ingredients with ice to make a great frozen drink.
I tried many of their drinks, but my favorite is the Buko (coconut) Pandan (a green sweet flavor that I've only found in Asia, the actual plant used to make it looks like grass) I get the 'super' cuz that's the biggest size they got!
Thanks for coming along on this little food fest of mine. I hope I can go back there soon. Check them out if you are ever in bulacan, philippines. :)
Ben
