Aside from roadside views, stopovers make road trips more exciting. Toilet needs or photo ops, we stop just to stretch our legs or breath some fresh air nipping motion sickness in the bud.
A food-lover obviously, we stop to have some mini-fuel up or for a cup of joe. When traversing the mountainous terrain of Panay Island, one of the well-established stop-over destinations aside from those mini carinderias is Midway.
We have passed Midway many times even prior to its construction. Located just a few meters away from the center of Passi City, this place sits in the middle of banana and papaya plantation. Just a little bit off tangent to the topic, Passi is known as an agricultural hub; a multi-national company ( Dole or Del Monte) planned to invest in the city but I guess politics triggered the investors to back out.
So when Akira had a tantrum and skipped lunch while we were still in Roxas City, he was already asking his father to stop for lunch after he came back to his senses. So lunch for him and coffee for us and Passi is the nearest place to pull-over. Of course, stopping at Midway means another story to share as a freelance writer. We were greeted by other travelers in Midway with some bringing a big company of friends and family.
Its name speaks of itself. It is really a midway for other provinces within Panay Island. Based on our own travels, it is just in the middle of Iloilo and Roxas/Kalibo. My positive first impression on Midway was brought by their appetizer – banana chips. Oh, we loved it. It was so unlike the others ( I’m not a fan of banana chips) – oily and too flaky. It was very fresh that you can savor real banana. With that big serving, all you need it to buy a drink and you’re all good.
I asked one of the waiters named Bert about the owners and I recall him answering “Amora Palmares”. I’m not pretty sure of the firt name but the name Palmares is no surprise. They are one of the prominent families in the city.
I wished we had our lunch at Midway. Foods were cooked and served fresh. And price is not a big problem. Aside from dining and photo takings, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at Midway. Read that they are growing organic vegetables.
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