Kapuluan Vista Resort: Wonderful waves and a whole lot more
MANILA, Philippines - Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a haven for surfing enthusiasts with its welcoming, laid back vibe, not to mention the perfect waves rolling constantly onto the beach that is their own front yard.
But Kapuluan has become known not only for surfing; it also serves some of the best food in Pagudpud.
Before several other resorts and home-stays claimed their own beach front space, Kapuluan, with owners Alma and Mike Oida from La Union, established itself as Pagudpud’s first resort. Since then, they have also become trailblazers for sustainable farming in the area.
Sous chef Benidick Nodora says that he and owner-chef Mike develop the menu together.
Among the offerings are burgers, including their newest item, a hefty pesto burger with kamote fries; a selection of pastas; Mexican food like burritos, quesadillas, with their specialty, Alma’s margarita; and Mongolian barbecue nights.
But where Kapuluan shines most is the dishes that make use of organic, seasonal produce, grown in their own backyard.
After taking a sustainable farming seminar in Palawan, Nodora shares, the Kapuluan owners tried to adapt their learnings to their resort. The sous chef says it took them two years to implement the sustainable farming techniques because they had to factor in the weather in the area.
Over the years, their farming and gardening techniques have improved and Nodora says they have been able to influence many neighboring resorts in Pagudpud to practice sustainable farming as well. When harvest is especially bountiful, they are able to sell their produce to other resorts.
With the seasonal ingredients, Nodora prepares such delights as vibrant, leafy green salads with fresh mulberries.
Ilocano specialties are given a twist as well. For example, “Kilawin is popular in Ilocos, but the one we serve here is different,” says Nodora, who describes the dish as “island style, with a Japanese accent.” The Japanese influence reflects Nodora’s background as a cook in a popular eat-all-you-can Japanese restaurant in Manila.
Bagnet becomes sosyal as a spicy bagnet ceviche; dinakdakan, traditionally made with brain and innards, gets a tourist-friendly makeover with pork tenderloin and mayonnaise instead of brains; Kahlua pork and cripy dinuguan round out the unique offerings.
The Ilocano staple, pinakbet, stays traditional, made with fish bagoong. But Nodora believes that the use of fresh vegetables elevates the taste of Kapuluan’s version.
Working in the Kapuluan Resort’s kitchen for seven years now, Nodora, who hails from La Union just like owners Alma and Mike, says that he had had enough with urban life and contractual work in Metro Manila when he decided to accept the offer to move to Pagudpud.
All of his knowledge in cooking was gained from experience, as he started as a kitchen helper, working his way up for three years at the popular Saisaki restaurant.
“It’s a beautiful place,” Nodora says of Kapuluan Vista Resort. He especially enjoys the easy-going surfing vibe of Pagudpud. During breaks or on days off he can simply jump into the water and enjoy the waves.
Being from La Union, Nodora has been around the surfing capital as well, but he says the waters there can become congested, with as many as 300 surfers when there is a swell.
“Here I can surf alone,” he says, though Pagudpud is gradually becoming more commercialized, with many establishments being developed in the vicinity.
Still, Nodora says he is able to enjoy the peace and quiet in Kapuluan’s corner of Pagudpud. He does not see himself moving out of Pagudpud anytime soon, though he has already received a few offers to cook elsewhere.
“It’s the waves,” he adds. “Hindi ko maiwan (I can’t leave them).”
Kapuluan Vista Resort is located in Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. For inquiries, call 697-6597, (920) 952-2528, or email kapuluan_vista_resort@yahoo.com.
