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!

Villars Share Christmas Treats to Kids at Crosswinds

It's Christmas time and looks like the Villar Family are not resting yet as they held gift giving activities at Britanny-Crosswinds in Tagaytay. This is where they annually put up a Christmas Village, sort of a tradition which families there and elsewhere enjoy the season. The event was arranged by Villar's Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG).

They brought kids (about 150 of them) from communities like Irusin in Tagaytay, some from Baseco in Tondo, Manila last Sunday as a treat so they too get to see the lovely property and enjoy activities prepared for them. It's quite nippy and pine scented, it's a different ambiance, and the kids really enjoyed the time they spent at the Swiss inspired land throughout Crosswinds. The kids and their companions also enjoyed food and drinks, the vast playground which was also built in the property of where kids and adults both had fun at.

Much of them took lots of pictures touring around the place and were also given gifts before they went home to their respective communities. This was given to them by the Villar Family who were all there too to grace the occasion. This was an annual thing for Former Senate President Manny Villar, his wife Senator Cynthia Villar, their son Senator Mark Villar and her wife Atty. Emmilene Villar, and Vista Landholdings CEO Paolo Villar + Deputy Speaker. Camille Villar who represents Las Pinas. They were also with their families, kids Emma, Tristan, all of whom hosted the attendees and the event. Senator Cynthia says "Our goal is to hopefully have them experience a few hours of fun at Crosswinds, and to also make memories with their family, friends during their stay here."

If you want to know more about the organization, visit their site villarsipag.org. If you want to see the property, you can find more information about it via brittany.com.ph or their social channels where available.

Top Holiday Destinations: Tagaytay Highlands

Christmas in the Philippines start at "BER" months, which means months that end with BER (September to December). It is dubbed as the longest Christmas celebration in the world and we do often take this time to be with friends, family, and loved ones. Destinations such as Tagaytay Highlands are often on top of the list because of the cool climate, serene and beautiful landscape where guests, residents would enjoy the countryside without going too far from the metropolis via a short ride away down south.

It has changed a lot over the years as new exclusive residential homes and units have been put up as vantage points to Taal Volcano and lake area, and Laguna-Mount Makiling side, you'll end up crazy trying to look at the nice views from one side and the other. They also have recently put up Christmas decors, lights, ornaments as the holidays come closer, making this a very inviting place to be in especially this December. Tagaytay Highlands will also be holding a Christmas Party for the young ones come December 17. It will be held at the Sports Center Hall so make sure you get them all dressed for the occasion.

Aside from that, there will be a Christmas Bazaar on the Highlands Golf Parking area from December 27 to 31 to make sure those aguinaldos and shopping money be spent without leaving the sweet enclave. The Sports Center Hall will also get converted for the New Years Eve countdown on the 31st, so schedule appropriately during the holidays.

For those who prefer a more holy retreat, Chapel events will happen from November 27th til the end of the year, so make sure you check schedules appropriately on site or their social channels. You can also take the trip there for the annual "Simbang Gabi" which starts from December 15th to the 23rd. The holiday mass will also be celebrated on Christmas eve and the day itself, plus on New Year's day. It's certainly a dreamy place to be in during Christmas time so if you're in the mood for a move, consider Tagaytay Highlands to be on your list if you would like a change of pace and destination during the holidays. The award winning developer Highlands Prime Inc. is a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings. It's safe and made of dreams, so if you're interested go check out Tagaytay Highlands on FB, IG and their site tagaytayhighlands.com today!

Save on Hotel Deals via the Blood Moon Sale on KLOOK!

This 11.11 is going to be a little hectic for a lot of people. Why not make the most out of it and take that well deserved rest and refuge amongst the different local destinations in the country. It's time to see why that Blood Moon we saw has something to do with some of the deals you can enjoy specifically til November 15. Imagine, 75% OFF on hotel bundles in places like Manila, Cebu, Tagaytay, Batangas, Baguio City, Palawan and the lovely island of Bohol.

If you haven't heard of KLOOK, it's time to download the app. It has literally helped me make my vacation in Bangkok  worthwhile since I was foreign to the activities that the city actually offers. They have packages to take you in each spot, but this one in the Philippines is special since it will get you remarkable deals at some of the best beach, tour spots and hotels in the country. One is at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel, the fabulous Hennan Palm Beach Resort, there's also JPark Island Resort and Waterpark. Aside from that, they've got deals in Quest Hotel Tagaytay, there's also one in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan for deals amounting to 75% OFF the rooms regular price. Head on to klook.com/en-PH/tetris/promo/phyearend2022 if you want to take advantage of it. Follow @Klook_PH on IG, KlookPH on FB, for those uhmazing deals this side of the world!

An Essential Stop: Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center

My affinity to Tagaytay and its nearby towns stem from property and family we have in Silang, Cavite. I also love the weather, especially when it's cold. There's also lots of places to go in the area where family, friends, your solid peers could take refuge, unwind and go home after a few hours because of its proximity to Metro Manila.

But when you're going back home, it's a sin to not pass by a shop or store that sell local produce, for what we call pasalubong, something that's always innate with Filipinos. We've found a new spot called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center located along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road in Barangay Pasong Langka Silang, Cavite.

Check this new dining destination at the Sta Rosa Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite. It's called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center. The restaurant sits at the back and serves really good Filipino food. The interiors and views are amazing! #balaipalmera #balaipalmerapasalubong #balaipalmerarestaurant #thebestbukopieinsilang #ibasasilang

Posted by Kumagcow on Sunday, October 2, 2022

You may head on to Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center by following them on Google maps. They're very easy to find along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road.

 

Here are some of my favorites on the menu, you can always ask them if you have something preferred for your event, they can always arrange something for you. 

Crabs with coconut milk

The owner and staff who welcomed us at the restaurant

Fresh Lumpia

Binagoongan

Crispy Pata

Steamed Pampano

Kaldereta

Kare Kare

Chicken Inasal

Dinakdakan

Kinilaw

Fried Fish

Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Balai Palmera, I will be back there soon! If you want to call or contact them for orders, it's 09458695392 for the restaurant and 09275017616 for the pasalubong center. They've got a mean on at the pasalubong center which you should definitely visit. Don't forget to take home the coveted BUKO PIE which makes this place legendary! The Chef says they do quality assurance in the buco meat they use and have researched well about the flaky pastry they use for it. There's also the Raisin Bread which I loved as it was freshly baked that same day.

It's Filipino... with a flair, and it made my trip there worthwhile.

Living Dreams at Tagaytay Highlands

It's been a dream for many to have a home of their own. A cold breeze, a semi mountainous place, a huge lot not just to put up your house, but toil a parcel of land and have your own produce grown, picked then put on the table after a few days. A place wherein your family enjoy gardening, play a little, and bond over what nature has provided. Impossible? Fret not, because this actually can happen in real life at The Grove at Plantation Hills in Tagaytay Highlands.

It's been a while since we've all been confined in our homes, and true enough, our priorities have changed. We see the value and importance of connecting with nature, and how what we eat play a vital role in our family's health. The Grove’s Garden Lots range from 450 to 600 square meters, enough to please your inner plantito and plantita. You can just imagine how rich the soil is in this neck of the woods and how much flora you can grow and do farm to table things not just in theory, but in real life. 

The vegetable and fruits you can harvest would likely be turned into salads, soups, snacks and different viands. You can also mix it up with proteins and learn to pickle, the ideas run a mile. It's all under the well planned communities in this place that make it work, that's sustainable living. Now who wouldn't want to live in a place like this? That's Tagaytay Highlands. I've seen it, I've lived there for a few days and it was dreamy!

They follow strict protocols (even before the pandemic hit) and also have health personnel standing by if emergencies arise. If you wish to live in a place like this, inquire about The Grove at Plantation Hills in Tagaytay Highlands via +632 75052422 and +63917 515015 or their website www.tagaytayhighlands.com. You may also visit @tagaytayhighlandsofficial on their social channels, they've been very responsive over there too. All you gotta do is ask!

TAWILIS: A Good Breakfast Treat

If there's one thing that this pandemic has done, it's that the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino actually surfaced. Tons of businesses left and right, to survive, we had to resort of many ways to earn a living. This includes services, products, even food, which all remind us of our humble beginnings.

 Now I loved staying in Tagaytay city. Whenever we stay there, our relatives remind us how welcome we are each time we visit. In the morning, I always wait eagerly for breakfast which includes toast, rice, ham, bacon and eggs, plus my favorite the super crispy fried Tawilis. The pandemic had us all confined in the city and think twice about going out of Metro Manila. While I wanted a taste of good breakfast in Tagaytay, it was a bit impossible as Tawilis was pretty much sourced only in Taal Lake.

Lo and behold, our friends heard our wishes. There actually exists DRIED TAWILIS. I was so ecstatic that something like this is available in Metro Manila. During breakfast the next day, I lightly toasted this over hot canola oil and I was overly careful not to do it too long as it might burn. I also sprinkled a little sugar just like how I cook my dilis. And voila! You now have your own Crispy Dried Tawilis at home. Since this is Tawilis, it's not overly salty because it comes from fresh water. 

What's good is that one packet of these actually can feed a bout 3 or 4 people. It looked quite small with the packaging but when you fry and take it out, it's enough to feed a small family. Now imagine having this with fresh sliced tomatoes, onions and salted egg... ugh... I know right? Well don't fret because it's actually easy to order from them. Just call Kuya Nic's via 0995 3336670. He's doing this also to help a business in Tagaytay that was heavily hit during Taal Volcano's eruption a few months ago and of course they typhoon.

 You'll love this good breakfast treat, I'm sharing it so you too can help businesses thrive during the pandemic. 

Cheers!

Tagaytay Highlands Marks 25th Year

I have been here a couple of times and I remember them so fondly. It's not because of the people I'm with, but more so the memories we made in an ambiance unfamiliar with most people in Manila. Tagaytay Highlands marks their 25th year and this mountain resort that is 90 minutes away from Manila has literally breathtaking views, feels like you are on the Swiss Alps right in the heart of Tagaytay City.

Apart from the log cabins and luxury homes, my Uncles and cousins also get to enjoy playing at the 18-hole Highlands Golf Course and the championship 27-hole Midlands Golf Course, both world class and considered as some of Asia's most exciting golf course. Getting from one place to another is a breeze because the North American log cabin communities, Woodlands and Woodlands Point are accessible via Funicular system, all takes you up and down the slopes with ease. Parts of the 3.2 hectare property also has Horizon Terraces which is a residential mix of Asian-contemporary garden villas and suites. Some of the new developments also include the Japanese-inspired Katsura and Yume, modern Asian-inspired community Sycamore Heights and a tropical resort residential enclave called Vireya. I envy their addresses.

Tagaytay Highlands has continued to be the gamechanger in luxury mountain 

resort living here and in all of Asia. Bloomberg dubs these as "The Hamptons of Asia” and revered this is where the region’s ultra-rich spend their weekends. I couldn't blame them though. It's why they were awarded Best Leisure Development in the Philippines in 2017 at the Asia Pacific Property Awards (APPA). We feel they're just starting.

Congratulations on 25 years of luxury living Tagaytay Highlands!