Dinner at 50/50 Hanbagu, Opus Mall

We were curious about the Japanese burger restaurant at the food court of Opus Mall. 50/50 Hanbagu was attracting a lot of customers with the long lines every time we were there (usually on a weekend). And so one evening, we finally decided to try it out after a school event.

Our daughter ordered karaage in addition to her burgers

I ordered burger with steak sauce and mushroom gravy

The wife ordered fried egg in addition to her burger

Close-up of the burger and sauces

The burger itself was okay. The sauces are also good but that probably depends on your taste or preference. I was familiar with the usual sauces for similar burger steaks as I enjoyed these while living in Japan in the 1990s. I thought though that there was nothing really special or spectacular about the meals. The prices are on the expensive side for something you might also enjoy at McDonalds or Jollibee at a fraction of the price. It's good for the experience but not something I would look forward to eating at if I had other choices.

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Basilica Minore de Nuesta Senora de Piat (Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat)

My recent travel to Tuguegarao presented the opportunity to visit the shrine to Our Lady of Piat. This was to the northwest of Tuguegarao. The basilica is a pilgrimage site that is supposed to be at the level of Manaoag, Penafrancia, and perhaps even Antipolo and Baclaran. 

The way to the basilica is via narrow one way streets through a generally residential area. The basilica itself is obscured by residential-commercial buildings.

This giant mural showing how the image arrived dominates the approach to the basilica.

The sign on the left states: "Welcome to the Pilgrimage Capital of the North"

The main gate of the basilica actually is at the back of the building

Shops along the street leading to the basilica

The area at what appears to be the rear of the basilica is more spacious and somewhat makes up for the cramped space up front. This is perhaps where people congregate during Mass and other events.

The rear of the grounds is where the front of the basilica actually is. Here is a front of the church.

Here is another photo of the front of the basilica featuring the bell tower. The building features the 

The main door to the basilica was closed by the time we arrived there. Its probably open only during Sundays and special days.

The Holy Door that is usually open during special occasions particularly during jubilee years.

Inside the basilica, this is the view to the rear (the main door).

The ceiling does not have intricate features but the stained glass windows are remarkable.

The main altar features a retablo

Unlike other churches (e.g., Antipolo, Manaoag) dedicated to Our Lady, Piat does not prominently feature her image on main altar.

Stained glass featuring one of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Piat

At the garden adjacent to the property is a spacious area where you can light candles to offer prayers for various intentions.

Candles are lit for various intentions including thanksgiving, prayers for the sick, assistance for upcoming exams, memorials for those who passed, etc.

A photo for posterity

The belltower appears to be a separate structure.

Basilica grounds include this covered walk with the trellis.

The other side of the basilica appears to be newer, perhaps recently renovated.

The Latin translates to "House of God and Gate to Heaven" at the front of the main chapel beside the basilica.

 

There were few people at the basilica when we arrived. Also, unlike other basilicas or shrines dedicated to Our Lady, there is no hourly Mass. The schedule follows that of typical churches where Masses are held mostly during Sundays.

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Will you see your furbabies again? Some thoughts on All Souls Day 2026

When you finally pass, and all of us will do at some time, will you see what were your pets again? Will they be waiting for you on the other side as they waited for you to get home? Will they run up to you as they did before; asking you to play with them or walk them?

Our first dogs, Troy and Barbi, looking out the front door of our previous home.

Troy and Mocha after the latter's arrival at our home in Antipolo.

Perhaps our pets are already in heaven and also watches over us. Maybe they'll be welcoming us, putting a good word for us if we truly did care for them. Our pets have a shorter life compared to us. It is said that their world probably revolved around us as we endure even as their lives end. We are there when they were puppies or kittens until they eventually grow old and pass, hopefully not from sickness.

Our previous dog Mocha arrived as we welcomed our daughter. Mocha passed almost 2 years ago. She would have been the same age as our daughter give and take a few months. One of our current dogs, Shira, also a golden retriever, arrived a year before Mocha passed so there's continuity in as far as our dogs are concerned. Soon, we will probably welcome another puppy. Though our Boots is still very healthy, he is already 12 years old and probably has a few years remaining considering their average lifespan. 

All our dogs were either cremated or buried when they passed. Fortunately for us, we didn't get duped and the cremations were legit. We sympathize with those whose pets were among those that are currently in the news and went viral on social media. Their pets certainly didn't deserve to be dumped like that after they were loved and cared for by their humans. May they also rest in peace.

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