The famed mountain resort and leisure destination Tagaytay Highlands just rolled out its plans for the 1,200 hectare property. This land that sits on Cavite, Laguna and Batangas which still asks to be developed further, this is where Highlands Prime Inc. comes in, they're the subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings.
The plan includes to put the property filled with commercial establishments, provide services for its residents, space for recreational activities, but still keeping it sustainable. It's going to further improve the mixed use plan they have for The Highlands, Midlands, Midlands West an Greenlands which are districts of Tagaytay Highlands. I remember staying in The Highlands a couple years back which was filled with Swiss looking chalets and log cabins, filled with pine trees, a panoramic view of the mountains, something unbelievable to see often for folks from Manila.
The Midlands on the other hand will be paradise for Golf lovers as their Midlands Golf Club will draw in fans of the sport but still offer a place of refuge with stunning views of Taal Lake, Mount Makiling and forests along the lake. Luxury villas, a place to camp out, plus a long stretch of residences that promote health, wellness, while nestled in the mountains. Midlands West on the other hand will have open parks, so you get a mix of modern amenities and nature. The Greenlands remain eco friendly, wide and apt for outdoor activities which will remain this way for a long time. They will foster conservation efforts to maintain the natural beauty of the property, with a goal to reach a million trees before 2044. As of now, 490,000 sits in it. There stands more for future generations, and this is just the start for Tagaytay Highlands. There's more low density condominiums being developed so each resident would experience that mountain resort living they've dreamed of.
I've been in this side of the South a couple of times, but wasn't able to see the actual Aguinaldo Shrine in all its glory. Yes, I've been in Kawit, Cavite last week. Honestly, it was so much fun to have been able to veer away from Metro Manila, and see the actual thing we read in history books. For those who don't know, Kawit, Cavite is home to Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the new Republic under the Malolos Congress. To say the least, this part of the world is quite historic. His involvement in the Spanish and American War was quite huge, and has won several times, recorded over years.
Today, the municipality is led by Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo. He is the great grand son of the former President. His namesake was certainly a thing that could pressure him, he was quite aware of it. Though with what leadership and service he provides his people, his personality is quite different. He was so humble and very shy with interviews. What's quite unquestionable is how he's loved by Kawiteños, I've seen their faces light up when talking about him and how they are all eager to share personal stories, experiences on how they were helped by him in one way or another, in their most trying times.
Since it's also Christmas, they hold events at the Aguinaldo Freedom Park where the bronze statue of the former President is located. It's on horseback, and quite massive to be seen by all. This lies in front of the famous Aguinaldo Shrine, where the country's first flag was raised. It was astounding to see the balcony or window immortalized in books and legal tender. While admiring that, we were toured inside the home, the original structure, same wood over a hundred years could tell tons of stories.
The Kawit LGU has made this place light up in recent years. If you saw what I saw during the evening event, more than the lights they installed and fireworks, I was super surprised at the mere number of people who flocked the park. That place is huge, but Moms, friends, their whole families were in tow... with pure smiles on their faces. It was infectious, they fancied light installations set at different colors and speed. They also had lots of light tunnels where the kids run around and took lots of selfies. Various forms of Santa Claus, Butterflies, things that both the LGU and the Mayor wanted so people could celebrate in this place for FREE during the yuletide season. Same reason why even the nearby towns go to the Aguinaldo Freedom Park as well. Just take a look at the actual Aguinaldo Shrine at night, as they also lit up the place with a 3D projector. They were also mighty proud about their churches, I was honestly envious seeing all that!
Here's our interview with the Kawit, Cavite LGU. Meet Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo's Mother Konsehala Armie Aguinaldo, Konsehal Alvin Bunag, Municipal Administrator Engr. Rey Santos, and Kawit PIO Lead Mathew Juganas.
The Aguinaldo Freedom Park and Aguinaldo Shrine just looks so different at night!
They even have the finger heart, symbolizing their triple A goal of #AlagangAngeloAguinaldo, where one exudes Puso (heart) and Malasakit (concern for others).
Well loved Diocesan Shrine of St. Mary Magdalene, concert during the Kawit Christmas lighting ceremony with Kapuso Singer Nef Medina, various artists and Konsehala Armie Aguinaldo.
The very shy Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, obliged us with an interview. He was very proud of his hometown, and wanted to make known how much of a destination this would be during the Christmas season.
I've seen the reason why they love the Mayor, he goes over and beyond what's expected of him. He knows his mandate, and makes sure every sense of the word "service" gets to the people of Kawit, Cavite. It's no surprise why "sana all" comments abound his FB page, because a LOT of people should be inspired by his story. I would have never thought about visiting Kawit in the past, but THIS has indeed change my mind. It's not just history, but its people that make this place GREAT!
If you want to see the display, it turns ON at around 6PM. They are extending hours til 12AM since it is already December. Thank you for the opportunity to see your beautiful place, and experience how kind people are in Kawit, Cavite. For your convenience, I have embedded a map so you can go there during holidays. Please enjoy!
Business has been good for Dear Joe as they expand this time in Imus, Cavite. This is officially their 23rd branch and has been existence since 2020. The restaurant has a retro American theme, conducive to those who love to write. This has been the handy work of the same people behind Coffee Project so you're sure every corner is IG worthy.
They also encourage good ol pen and paper, so the available stationary would be apt for each cup you chug. Be it a small note to loved ones, a letter to a stranger, your ex, or just about anyone you could think of. Aside from the coffee variants, they also have juices available, it's hot outside so go ahead and take that trip to Dear Joe and grab one today.
This new branch is just right across Camella Manors Aviana. It'll be a perk especially for the folks who live within the area. You don't really have to go far in order to get caffeinated.
Camella Manors Aviana is also a good place to start a family. If you're a single person who's in the mood to invest, it's a great location especially since Imus is a booming city. Write, Coffee, Live, how can you not love that!
It's 2021 and those properties in the south actually has become very appealing. The proximity to Metro Manila and the peace and quiet is really attractive for those who prefer a slight slow of pace or less of the noise in the city. Now it doesn't have to be all country and rustic when choosing a place of your own in these areas. Bria Homes for example did its own spin on their condominium units they call Astra Vertical Villages which will be in the local of Calamba in Laguna and the city of General Trias in Cavite.
For those who don't know, BRIA’s Astra Vertical Villages are mid-rise condominium developments which also have the characteristics of the same Bria Homes properties that exist in the country. It should be affordable, accessible and independent. What that means is that it's priced right, set in a community conducive for living especially if you're raising a family. Independent in a sense that you can thrive and live without the need to go to other densely populated areas in order to get essentials for your home.
Bria Homes Astra residents would enjoy their own clubhouse , swimming pool, gym, function halls and just about anything that the developer and HOA agree on. Albeit a lot different than the usual city occupied condo units, the homes are both modern and contemporary enveloped in green spaces, trees and playgrounds where your kids could socialize (sans pandemic). Astra Vertical Villages are also very near restaurants, malls, churches, schools, all of which makes it highly livable and perfect for those who are finding communities their wife and kids would enjoy too, especially young families.
BRIA Homes President Red Rosales puts this as a very good ground as they expand the Astra market and says “BRIA’s Astra Vertical Villages located in Calamba and General Trias will answer the need safe, secure communities and the comforts of modern living. Aside from that, it's exactly what families can start with or live forever in, plus it's affordable. People can really find this a good investment."
Go check out the homes at www.bria.com.ph or Bria Homes, Inc. on social channels. You can also call 09398879637 and tell them you might have found your home.
We journeyed all the way down south in the outskirts of Manila to check out what Lancaster New City has prepared for their community. The last time I was here, it was heartwarming to witness people from Lancaster go out of their way to give gifts to individual residents, even the kids entertained with small parties right in front of their majestic church that sits right in front of their sprawling property.
This year however, it became more evident how the community has grown and developed with a full blown mall, grocery, night spots and services that have sprouted like mushrooms in the hectares upon hectares of land. During out trip, they got us into a frenzy by inviting some of the country's finest bands including Teddy Corpuz and his band Rocksteddy. Albeit a little traffic that evening, the crowd didn't mind at all as they grew bigger by the hour filling up that huge lot where they hold the CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW. They've been doing this every weekend since November 25 and will last until December 26 this year. It was captivating as all the laser lights and Christmas light installations twisted, turned and danced to the tunes of the latest Christmas music remixes, leaving the crowd stunned and at awe right in the middle of Cavite.
Ms. Charity Guillermo VP for Sales and Marketing of Lancaster says "If you remember last year we had similar things happening in the community, Filipinos are very musical and we all enjoy time with family and friends. Our crowd is getting bigger every year so we are adding even more activities this year. We are very careful not to actually cause traffic and this development is just taking it's course. There are a lot of establishments now opening their businesses here, even big names included. We are generating jobs here, you can see how many companies are putting up ads indicating they are hiring. Aside from what we put out, each of them are putting up their own Christmas activities per association so they have their separate parties, and it remains family centric. We are also continuing to assist private institutions to build more schools because the goal is to make students be able to walk to their schools (like everything is walking distance) and this has been in the urban plans of Lancaster since day 1. Aside from that, there are still a ton of developments we are working on together with the things we planned for this Christmas season to be launched today."
The parties won't stop there because aside from this show, they'll also have The Dekada Food Bazaar open from Wed-Sat at 4PM, the reveal of PERPETUITY a 20ft sculpture made by award winning artist Merlito Gepte. They also will be having a film showing of Love You to the Stars and Back and Can't Help Falling In Love at the Central Greens Open Air Cinema and another concert with Imago, Six Cycle Mind, Banda ni Kleggy, Stellar and Grace Note which will happe at The Square.
If you want to know more about the other events just visit their Facebook page Facebook.com/LancasterNewCityOfficial.
This is good news for people down south as Amaia Scapes General Trias opens it's doors to the public. They're also doing it in style by whipping up another food park called EAT CITY. It's "The Themed Food Avenue" catering to people in the community every week from Thursdays thru Sundays starting from 6PM to 12MN and will be a regular attraction from hereon. We also saw the model houses for AMAIA Scapes General Trias which is just in front of EAT CITY as they will be starting to put up houses in the coming months. Check out these properties!
This is the Bungalow pod which is around 75 square meters for the lot area. This would be good for starting families and retired folks who want an affordable place in the serene south.
For the more entrepreneurial people, you should get this Carriage Pod that's got 2 Floors and around 75 square meters lot area. You can dedicate the lower floor for commercial purposes or perhaps your office like what they did for AMAIA Scapes General Trias Sales Department.
This is a quadruplex which they call Multipod. You can have this comstructed as a combined unit and is around 110 Square Meters. For familes of 4 or more, this would be perfect or if you prefer your relatives to live nearby, this would be the apt place for you which even have car ports of their own per unit. They had some of it landscaped though which is a good thing to do if you're getting the other doors.
This one is their Twin Pod model (which is a duplex). It's around 65 Square Meters can be combined too via an access door in the middle. You can get around 2 bedrooms here, which is a good thing for small families. Especially if you want to have your own home.
This is my favorite among the things displayed there. It's called Twin Homes and is a 2 floor duplex. It's around 65 square meters per door and can be combined if you prefer. The stairs are in the middle and can be accessed in the mid part of the home.
For activities, or just about anything you love about food, they've got EAT THE CITY the themed food avenue. Again this is open from Thursday to Sunday from 5PM to 12MN. I had my street food favorites of course including lovely ISAW! Omgwtfbbq!
Please don't judge but I ate most of these wonderful grilled food plus freshly squeezed lemonade and tons of French Fries which my friends enjoyed! If you wanna know more about the food fair check out https://www.facebook.com/eatcityfj/ or visit AMAIA Scapes official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand/ for real estate concerns. I think now is the time to invest in properties since Cavite is going to boom in the coming years. Imagine how much you'll earn if you take advantage of it now or perhaps live there too. You know what I mean!
A small banca signifying our culinary journey of Cavite, a rich food haven located an hour or so away at the outskirts, south of Manila.
I think I've been here, perhaps when I was a kid. Though I couldn't remember specifically when so in a nutshell this is a trip down south that I've been raring to go to because I've been hearing a lot about Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park the past few months. Photos alone had me wondering, why haven't I gone there when it looked so good on photos, and people I know who go there actually had so much fun. The place is picturesque, have stunning views of the Cavite coastline. It's situated along Covelandia Road in Kawit, Cavite and can be accessed through the new line along the Cavite Expressway (CavitEx). You can drive and get there in an hour or so from Manila, perhaps ride to SM Bacoor and ride another van to Island Cove if you want to commute there. All along, I thought Island Cove was a membership only resort as it had some similarities to Fontana in Pampanga. I was wrong, because they're very much open to the public.
Anyway, we were there for good reason. It's about the FOOD. The people at Island Cove find it a little unnerving why they haven't really featured much of the community to the people going there. They've got a mix of locals, foreigners, balik bayans and just about everyone who enjoys food go to their spot called the Fishing Village to have a meal with family and friends, but never solely to showcase what Cavite cooking is all about. Well, they've done the legwork for you and researched the dishes, even had recipes exhumed from long gone restaurants and use it to demystify what Cavite cooking is all about. Chef Vill Purificacion had us sample dishes of this place he calls home, let's just say I didn't know Cavite ever tasted this good!
Lawlaw is a crispy, deep fried local fish dredged in flour/light batter mostly found in Cavite City.
Tahong Chips is originally from Bacoor. It's now one of the city's best exports. They also served it with local spiced vinegar, perfect for groups or beer pairing.
This is the Mutya ng Cavite Soup by Sabater. A thick creamy soup with a huge serving of local sea mollusks, crabs, shrimp, clams caught locally. The original restaurant closed down but they were able to get the recipe from the family. This was a hit among the crowd.
They call this Calandracas. It's got the ingredients of summer, a bit refreshing, but has chorizo so you get those bits of smoky pork flavor in each slice.
This is Bacalao, but they use Labahita fish as the former is a little too expensive. It's salted fish, and is perhaps a good thing to have with just hot, steamed white rice.
This is Adobong Imus which hails from the town of the same name. It's made of the usual, but use annatto oil in lieu of soy sauce. Surprisingly, it was good!
This one's called Valenciana. This version is from General Trias and uses coconut milk as base so it's quite different from the one I'm used to at home (the Bacolod version). It's different, I like how it's become a bit Asian rather than Spanish inspired. I was staying away from rice but this one got me skip a day for that rule.
This is their Pansit Pusit. It reminds me of Black Ink Pasta dishes but they use local rice noodles, seasonal vegetables, seafood and strips of green mangoes, scallions and garlic. I thought it wouldn't work but it did. It tastes like the sea, in a good way. Something totally off beat from the usual Pansit, but would be really good for seafood lovers.
Hot weather calls for Fresh Buco! It was sweet and refreshing!
This one is Afritadang Gulay na may Baboy. Which I think is the usual afritada ingredients but uses pork for the meat. It's soft, would be good for hot white rice. I love anything with tomato sauce on it!
This is the Pansit with Puso ng Saging. It's a little tangy, much like that banana heart dish Mom used to make but made into a rice noodle dish. Don't laugh but I could imagine people eating this with rice too, with this as a viand.
This is their Pansit Malabon. For those who don't know, parts of Cavite was actually called Malabon in Spanish times even before the actual Malabon in Metro Manila was established. This wreaks of shrimp goodness as it probably was made of shrimp head sauce, quite lovely with those bits of pork crackling, egg, spring onions, squid, and more pork.
For dessert, we had Kutsinta from nearby towns. They actually buy these rice cakes from locals the morning before they serve it.
This is the Kalamay, similar to the ones I get from Bacolod but this is flattened and served in individual plastic sheets. A bit modernized I think! This tastes like coconut spread, with coconut strips on it.
This is their Sapin Sapin which literally means layers in English. With different rice cakes, mixed with coconut milk, purple yam, it was totally something to look forward to in a trip to Cavite! Oh wait there's more!
My personal favorite among the things served that day was this! This is called Tamales. Made of corn meal, rice, pork fat, pork meat, paprika (I think because it was a bit smoky) and chili powder (as it felt a little spicy). I could have this for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's a bit heavy, as it was designed to be a one dish meal that farmers would usually have after tolling the fields back in the days. I would totally go back for this!
If you haven't had enough of your cheese dreams come true, they've got a platter of Kesong Puti probably from cow's milk. I would love to have this with bread or on top of pizza. Or just about anything during breakfast.
To get you a little excited about what to expect at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, I made a short video of our trip that afternoon and uploaded it on Youtube. If you haven't seen it yet, please subscribe to my channel or just check this one below. Check out our interview with the Chef and Gilbert Remulla who handles the property.
TIP: You can get a spot overlooking the shore for Php 4,500 consumable (3 hours, like a private cottage) which I think is good for 30 persons (although if you invite that much people chances are you're gonna need to spend a bit more for your birthdays/occasions). You may call them at 8107878 or 8105351 or email them at inquiry@islandcovephil.com if you want to have it arranged, if you expect guests coming to the Philippines or just about any reason to go there. They also have fishing areas, perfect for Father and Son bonding moments, aside from the good food of course!
The “Taste Cavite” menu featured on this article is now available at the Fishing Village on Fridays, Saturday and Sunday. starting November 18 and will be served daily starting December 22, 2016. I hope to get to see you there when I come and visit!
Braved the traffic and went all the way down south to visit Lancaster New City, a land developed by PROFRIENDS (Property Company if Friends, Inc) located in the vicinity of Imus, General Trias and Kawit, Cavite. Although it was raining cats and dogs, we were there to witness a day of gift giving.
Lancaster New City is a sprawling new community. It's their flagship project and runs around 1,400 hectares. It's a pretty huge property and they've shown us around.
We were a stones throw away from the Brianna Unit located right behind their showroom. It's a 2 floor 4 room Unit with a car port in front.
It's got one room downstairs. An open concept kitchen, dining room and living room. It's got a nice counter space perfect to prep stuff in the kitchen.
Then upstairs there are three more rooms, one for the Master's, two could probably be for kids. It also has a toilet and bath plus tons of mirrors in the staircase. It makes the room look bigger, as space is maximized even if it's just 110 square meters.
Then we went to the other one across the street called the Chessa. It's a really nice and quaint 2 storey house, a little smaller than the first one at 90 Square Meters.
They still have that open concept design and the first room downstairs. I liked the kitchen a lot that I even tried to prepare salad made of wires LOL!
You can even use the counter to have lunch if you are just a small group and still want to entertain. I can see myself having coffee in the morning or cooking for friends.
They designed this community really good with most of the BPO hubs and IT companies inside, hence you can literally walk or drive to work in a few minutes. The St. Edward Integrated School on the other hand will be found in several locations soon designed to be walking distance wherever you live in Lancaster New City. They are one of the most affordable schools too in the area and are accepting students from outside as well. They will however make this exclusive to the Lancaster residents as soon as the numbers increase. The Church of the Holy Family just had their parish priest installed a few weeks ago and they're happy to have been able to do all 7 sacraments too.
Then just across the church they started their gift giving activity with Santa's elves, witnessed and helped by employees and executives from PROFRIENDS. Residents registered themselves for the occasion and every kid, some of the parents too received really awesome gifts for Christmas. Most real estate companies wouldn't have relationships with the community but PROFRIENDS is different. This is something they are proud of and dub themselves as The Family Friendly City. That's a fitting description of what they've done on this day.
Two of them even won some really special stuff. Like this resident who got a brand new professional grade drone! Oh how I wish I lived there too.
If you have questions about the property, visit www.Facebook.com/LancasterNewCityOfficial or www.LancasterNewCity.com.ph. They've also got a Christmas Lightshow happening very soon which your family may enjoy. It was raining during our visit but if it weren't I could have shown you that spectacular light show! Thank you Lancaster! I hope we can visit you again soon!
