New Dining Destination: My Country House Tagaytay

Tagaytay has always been a good weekend destination for those looking for adventure, the cold weather, and good food. The touristy spots are a given, I don't go there much because of the sheer amount of people. I'm part of the statistic who basically mind crowds and prefer a more quiet, less stressful location. There's still plenty of that in Tagaytay, and it's so awesome that travel there only takes an hour and a half (depending on where you are in Manila). 

On Sundays or special occasions, I often go to Our Lady of Lourdes Paris Church in Silang Cavite or Pink Sisters Convent and Chapel. Then after a holy hour, we often have lunch in nearby restaurants because yes, Tagaytay is a food destination. There's a new restaurant off the beaten path and it's called "My Country House". This is around 10 minutes away from the highway (if you're coming from Lourdes Church) and can be searched on Google maps here.  

Much of the furniture here include heirloom pieces from the previous owner. This is a country home, one that you can visit every now and then since it's only a few hours away from Metro Manila. 

 

 

 

 

 

The interiors felt like your Tita's house (na nakaka angat angat sa buhay lol) that you would actually go to and enjoy time with family and friends. It's a mix of wood, comfy chairs with green, white and yellow accents. It's also well lit, perfect for brunch/lunch, even dinner.

This is the view from the restaurant. It's clear green grass on some parts, filled with tropical plants and the actual forest around the perimeter. They hold events here like weddings and parties, prolly could hold 300-350 pax. Those intimate weddings you're dreaming of might just fit. What I also like about this place is their Silkie Chickens that roam around the property, they're very friendly and would make a nice activity for kids to interact with.

Got to talk to Chef Arnold Gozon who politely asked about the dishes served, staying on top of the game and very open to suggestions.

My Kale Drink, freshly baked bread with flavored butter, plus table side Kale and Romaine Caesar Salad to start off the meal

We started with the Cheese Gougeres, Seared Foie Gras Canapes and the Miso Bagna Cauda. If you had to choose, get the Foie Gras of course! The Burrata is comforting too. Everything else is fair game.

My friends had the Saffron Seafood Paella while I got the Steak Rice (because my allergies wasn't having it!) It was comforting to have that together with the mains. Yes, get the Steak Rice!

The Chef personally prepared a 21 Day US Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak for us that afternoon, and yes, it was so worth every slice I had. It was even better with the roasted garlic on the side and the optional mushroom or spinach sauce. This is meant to be shared, but who's stopping us from having this all to ourselves right? 

One of My Country Home's specials, this is Country Chicken Relleno. This was something that Chef Arnold Gozon prepares on Holidays/Christmas, but thought why not serve this labor of love in the restaurant. Make sure you have this with the sauce on the plate and roasted garlic, you need to arrange a perfect bite.

This is Chef Arnold Gozon's personal favorite, the Melting Salmon. It's soft, melts in your mouth salmon that's been cooked in oil like a confit, then lathered with miso sauce, and an Asian herb relish. Even those who didn't eat salmon actually enjoyed this, so try this out yourself!

If there's something I'd recommend, it will be this Lengua Estofado. Although usual Lengua dishes fall into rancid/organ like flavors, this one doesn't do that. It's very soft, you would mistake it for rump chunks that's been cooked for hours. It's also ultra creamy which makes it a whole lot different than your usual lengua. Best on for me.

So if you're thinking of spending the weekend at Tagaytay and feel the need for something special for your friends, family or better half, go check out My Country House at 115 Pulong Sagingan Street, Maitim 2nd West in Tagaytay. I would strongly suggest you go and reserve first before going there to make sure they've got ample seats and be ready for you. Just call or text 09178751154. They accommodate walk-ins.

Ciao! I'll be back there very soon!

G-SHOCK Releases #PambansangGSHOCK Watch

G-SHOCK has always been in my wrist since their resonance early 2000s. I was so honored to have met the man who started it all in 2014 when he personally went here for the G-SHOCK World Tour, I'm talking about Kikuo Ibe. The man talked about how he started conceptualizing a timepiece that could weather the elements, survive a drop from 4 floors, then wow the whole world with it. 

They've done exactly that.

Then there were more.

Chronographs

Solar and Carbon

More Chronographs

Big G-SHOCK for men.

Now that they're here in the Philippines, they've not only made their presence felt - but sold quite a lot of these timepieces which we've all grown to love. At that time they even made a limited edition GSHOCK watch for the Philippines, which I've been using since then (Yes I am still using it til now!), worn out but totally still fine from all angles. It's one of the reasons why I always have a GSHOCK because it literally lasts years, very practical and superbly designed.

This year, they've announced the G-SHOCK "Design The National G-Shock Competition" and a LOT of people joined in (about 1,200 individuals) who had background in art direction, product design, graphic design and just about every regular joe who could whip up the best looking GSHOCK that would best represent the Philippines. 

CASIO Japan Executive Masaki Obu announcing the winning design.

Finalists include Aaron Cedric Manaloto, Adrian Delmo, Austeen Manalang, Carlo San Jose, Dennis Inosanto, Jerome Banal and Joshua Panaligan. They were flanked by Mr. Masaki Obu during the event.

Dylan Dylanco shows her winning piece, it's called HABI and now dubbed the #PambansangGShock

The winner is Dylan Dylanco. She is self taught, but is an experienced illustrator who's expertise include branding and graphic design. She has already done a lot of things including other lifestyle brands and sports gears, no wonder she's done quite well no?

Her inspiration for this design is the Filipino's undying spirit, the Filipino tribes from up north to the ones in the south and how we've done fabric weaving through the centuries. If you're a Filipino, you would be a little familiar with the patterns, which in turn would also remind you of indigenous tribal warriors in the country. Their grit, toughness, same spirit that runs through the veins of our country's heroes, comparable to the tough G-Shock watches we wear today.

The HABI on my wrist.

The warrior colors are just magnificent! Plus, it's built to last!

This is officially the first G-SHOCK made for and designed by a Filipino. Wear them proud as these guys are limited edition. There are only 200 pieces of these out there, count out the number of celebrities who were there that afternoon so that's even a smaller batch. 

You won't get these anywhere but only the G-SHOCK stores like G-SHOCK Ayala Vertis North (where we were!),G-SHOCK SM City North Edsa in QC, G-SHOCK Glorietta 4 in Makati, G-SHOCK Greenbelt 5, G-SHOCK SM City Clark in Pampanga, G-SHOCK SM City Santa Rosa in Laguna, G-SHOCK SM Lanang Premier in Davao and G-SHOCK SM CDO Downtown Premier branch down south.. It retails for Php 9,999, stocks surely will run out fast!

Hurry! I'm not even joking!


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Tomato Time Opens Newest Branch at Shangrila Mall

Looks like our friends from Tomato Time has just set up shop at the posh Shangri-la Mall in Edsa Mandaluyong City. They're at the 5th level and are offering their lovely watches. I've had my first one around 2 years ago got another one a year after. I like their designs back then and how affordable their products are. Now, they've gone strides, leaps and bounds in coming out with even newer designs that would fit the NOW generation. They have also come out with very romantic pieces, personifying elegance when the occasion needs it. We were able preview the watches early as a perk, it was so nice!

They've come up with these easy, custom watches that already have designs like monograms, graphics, and even photos. They can actually accommodate orders if you want your own design immortalized on these timepieces by shelling out Php 500 or a bit more. They also have packaged corporate giveaways so if you're planning to get one for your employees, a Tomato Time watch must be something you could consider.

Plus ladies, I know you're eyes are stuck looking at these watches. They made this specifically for you and even wrap it up in Rose Gold palette boxes that will surely make it even MORE special. Now think about giving this as a gift to your sister, Mom or even Grandma. The watches would surely be something that they would want to keep, and when the batteries run out and you're under Tomato Time's 1 year warranty, they can fix it for you!

Now I'm planning to get my own site's logo to be inside one of these watches just to see if it's cute. The blogger already is but if wearing something from their collection would make it even better, I have no qualms not to go ahead and do it.

Tomato Time now has their branch at the 5th Floor of Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City. They also have one in SM North Edsa which I frequently go to. This Christmas, it might be a good reason to visit their store because luxury doesn't really mean it has to be expensive. It's Tomato Time!

For more information about their watches:

Tomato Time

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Visit their official website

http://tomatotime.ph/

MOA Sweet Eats: Valentines Day at Watami

Watami is one of the newest restaurants from the Bistro Group. We've reviewed a couple of them in the past and obviously, they're getting bigger by the year. Watami as you may have thought is a neo Japanese restaurant with great interiors and lovely flavors. As a Japanese food lover, I always wanted to see what other restaurants are offering so I could compare them with the others serving the same dish. Although there are similarities, Watami had their menu configured quite differently so it's got the basics of a Japanese restaurant but have some other original items that you won't find anywhere else. We asked the kind server to get us their best sellers but I think he got his own personal favorites haha! Not judging though because it is VERY good!

Two drinks were served first. The one on the left is mine. It's the Passion Fruit Mango Tea. The one on the right is the Milk Tea with Black Tapioca Pearls. Both were good but I love the Passion Fruit Tea better, it's new, it's original and you won't see this that much on the menu of other restaurants. See what I mean by them being different from other Japanese restaurants? This isn't just the lone item on their menu that's very original, more reason to find and pay them a visit. We had more of it later on!

Watami Salad

This is one of their best sellers. It's called the Watami Salad. We only got the half serving because we were watching our diet (I kid!) but you can get the whole serving for this one if you're in a group. It would be good for 4 I think but if you've got that vegetable loving friend who just decided to munch on greens, the Watami Salad provides a combination of textures that have been well thought of in its conception. The crunchy leaves, the crunchy fried wonton wrappers, the seaweed, the nibblets of corn, the slices of barbecued chicken, the scoop of tuna with Japanese mayo just provides the beautifully coordinated clashing of flavors and textures. The server was right, this is really good.

Watami's Beef Pepper Rice

There's no shortage of rice, beef strips, corn, and spices on this stone bowl. This is Watami's very own Beef Pepper Rice. It's one of their best sellers too and I'm not surprised because if you compare this with other restaurants, they don't go easy on the ingredients. By the way, most of the restaurant's ingredients are not locally sourced. They import most of them from Japan hence you see a lot of ingredients that are bigger, even better in some areas. The meat in the Philippines they say is a little tough and they had to have softer ones for dishes like these. Price wise, they won't do overkill on you because I barely found anything above Php 500 on their menu. For those trying out the place for the first time, I strongly suggest you ask your servers for the best sellers but don't be afraid to try out other unfamiliar items on the menu.  

The Watami Ramen

The Watami Ramen I think is a hit and miss. It's one of their best sellers and I don't want to challenge that fact. This one was a little on the salty side that we had to ask our server if it was meant that way. He offered they can tone it down a bit but I think if they're doing this in a batch, the bone based broth shouldn't be this sharply salty. If asked if I should order this again, of course! I still love the ramen itself and the meat slices on top of it. Maybe they can improve on it somehow, but if it's a best seller there's really no reason why you shouldn't order it still. If it was a rainy day, then we would surely have this!

Spicy Salmon Tempura Roll

It's a new item on their menu but I highly suggest you get this. If you love spicy stuff and cooked salmon, then this Spicy Salmon Tempura Roll is your best bet. It's a bit on the oily side because the whole thing is deep fried before it gets sliced. The Salmon also gets cooked in that process. Still, it's got that fresh center because they have the chives and chili there. If you're kinda tired about the California Maki, then this would be something different that you can order aside from that. Oh and yes! They've got their own California Maki too if you fancy that!

Assorted Skewers

If you don't like the smoke on Teppanyaki plates, but would love to have something grilled, then Watami's Assorted Skewers would be your best choice. You won't smell like smoke when you're just around for lunch and got to go back to the office. It's a good activity though when you're out on the date so I'd prefer that instead of this. But really, how can you not love something like this no? I specifically love the Japanese mushroom wrapped in chicken and the bacon wrapped onion chives in skewers because of its intense flavor. It's a chance for you to taste everything on a single plate instead of ordering them separately. You can do that if you're got the menu mastered later on but if it's the first time you're dining in Watami, please do get this one! I loved it!

If you're fond of green tea, then get this Maccha Tiramisu. It's intense green tea flavor might confuse you if it's European or Japanese, but really it's the best of both worlds. You're getting that green tea flavor on a rich panacotta like dessert glass, where each spoonful will take you to green tea heaven in a few seconds. This is one lovely way to end the meal, but I bet they've got more!

Choco Parfait

I don't know what they've put into these sweet treats but darn it I LOVE THIS Choco Parfait! It's a chocolate lovers dream dessert and you'll see why people enjoy and indulge on them when you get it on your table. It's pretty, it's sinful, it's got all the things you dream of on a sundae. If you miss ordering this, you won't complete your Watami experience so do me a favor and tell that young man taking your orders to get you one of these! Superb. I can't even explain it. 

The Philippine International Pyro Musical Competition by the way will start at 7:30 PM on Saturday. So if you love fireworks as much as I do, please don't hesitate to drop by these restaurants before you get to the main show! The ones beside Manila bay will be offering really good seats, I suggest you get the ones there. The sunset is majestic, the fireworks display would be lovely to see from that area. Trust me on this.

For more information about their events:

SM Mall of Asia

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Visit their official website

http://twitter.com/TheMallofAsia

SM WOMAN for Philippine Fashion Week

Shining, glistening, she proudly surfaces... the SM WOMAN in the halls of SMX Convention Center for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014. This is another brand carried on The SM Store to cater to women who want luxurious clothing at the fraction of a cost. Style wise, I have seen the collection exude femininity without sacrificing quality - a feat which every Filipina dreams of. This is their answer to your clamor. Your happiness starts with a little loveliness.

And that of course is what we saw at the preview a few hours before the show. This wouldn't be possible without these ladies.

The SM Woman collection was interpreted in sections; the new age Filipina can now wear something for Fashion, Career, Casual, Evening and Resort. Impressed and attracted on these pieces that follow Fall/Winter shades - but it's all a mix and a bit more structural, floral, pastel, basic, graphic and soft yet flowy dresses. They've got it all! Which reminds me, didn't they say "We've got it all for you!"?

Now, I wouldn't want to flood you guys with photos so I'll spare you the drama and just put it in one video slide show. It's got pretty good music too. Enjoy!

The difference is, it's lighter in construction, brighter and bolder in colors, prints are more modern, designs are elegant and classy... but... it's very affordable. You wouldn't think they'd be pricing them 799 to a little less over a thousand bucks. Unbelievable!

I'd like to commend SM Woman for opening the show with gorgeous Jasmine Maierhofer. Her gorgeous face was something talked of angels, people were at awe when the SM WOMAN sign was raised to start the show. Aside from that, your resort wear was a fresh addition. Something that I used to see in latin shows looks so perfect in our tropics. Like a glove. The bright prints and more modern construction of coats and cute capes was adored by the ladies I sat with that evening. That says a lot

For more information about their stores:

SM Woman

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com