Stopping by Traveler's Lay Bay

April 2019 · 3 min read

I have been passing by this restaurant countless times for years during my travel from Manila to Baguio City and back. However, I haven't tried dining until Easter Sunday. I do not usually take heavy meals while traveling so I just go for takeaway light snacks. This time, I thought "why not try this one that is boasting home cooked meals?"

Traveler's Lay Bay is a Filipino restaurant in a bus stop area at Gerona, Tarlac. Given that it is just along the highway then it is very accessible.

The billboard on top of the roof looks aged with the faded painting. However, that does not have justify the interior of the place. I was amazed when I got inside. It was very neat and cozy. Everything seem to be organized properly.

With only four trays on display, I can say that there are few options. As I got closer, I noted that there are two menus in a tray except for the right-most one. That makes seven options on the menu. All are basically local menus. Vegetable menu is rare in restaurants so I was surprised to see pinakbet or mixed vegetables steamed in shrimp or fish sauce. It is what I ordered. A set of the viand, a serving of rice and cup of softdrinks cost P90.00 which is about US $1.72. Fair enough, I thought.

When the crew started to prepare my order, it was automatically in a take-out styrofoam container. I asked, "Ah, it's automatic in a take-out box?"sShe just said, "yes". I did not ask further.

When someone came after me, her order was also in a take-out box but we both dined in. As I watched her from few tables away, I realized the reason why we are eating on take-out box: that is to be ready just in case we eat slow and the bus needs to go, we can just pick our box and go. Clever idea!

The pinakbet was a little bland to my taste. I thought it could have been better if more bagoong or fish/shrimp paste are mixed in it to be more savory. It was okay because my housemates usually complain that my taste is too much to them. 😃On the other hand, the vegetables stil taste good and fresh. When you do not cook and most menus in restaurants are of meat, chances of vegetable option will be savored well. 😊

If you are travelling north of the country and happen to pass by Gerona, Tarlac, you may want to give this restaurant a try. I think I will try the others on the menu next time.