Saturday, March 30, 2013

Easter idea: Breakfast at Antonio's

I know it's not the best time to do a food post, given most of us are fasting this weekend, but I couldn't resist because I think it is very timely for those who are thinking of where to spend Easter lunch at.

Anyone up for some fine cuisine at Antonio's?

I personally prefer the other Antonio's branch in Bgy. Neogan but since it's out of our way and we were so hungry already, we opted for Breakfast at Antonio's, which is just along highway.

The first time I went to this place was back in 2006 and boy has a lot changed since then. It was closed for a while and then it reopened and here it is now, still looking as beautiful and whimsical as it once was.


I absolutely love how it's not airconditioned so you can enjoy the fresh Tagaytay breeze. The white walls and hard wood floor also made it look so home-y and comfortable.

We arrived at around 3pm and although it's more of a "breakfast" place, we skipped the breakfast menu and settled for the High Noon specials and got pasta and pizza too.

For starters, we had the Baked Kesong Puti with Basil Pesto Salad. The kesong puti was so good!!! It was fresh and chewy and everything a good kesong puti should be. The portion size was a bit small (we were a group of 4) but I think that was our fault co'z we didn't ask.


 Since we were so hungry, we ordered the Roast Chicken Stuffed with Rosemary and Potato. Of course, I didn't get to taste this but my family attests to how good this was! I also noticed that a lot of guests were ordering this so I'm betting it's really THAT good!

On to the pizza! We got the 5-cheese pizza which was just phenomenal! I don't normally like the 3-cheese, 4-cheese, 5-cheese pizza flavors co'z they all taste the same to me but this one's an exception! I was so surprised at how good it was! The taste was really unique and if not for the "generic" name, I'd say this is definitely one of a kind!

Lastly, my two favorites:
The Portobello Tagliatelle pasta. The queen of all pastas. You've heard Sophia rave about it before but allow me to second the motion on this one. THIS IS PHENOMENAL! I love portobello mushrooms especially when they're cooked perfectly. And the ones on this pasta was cooked to perfection! The sauce itself is where the Gods lay. It may look like your ordinary cream sauce but it's not! Truffles may be the secret ingredient but whatever is in that sauce is pure awesomeness. It was so good! Just thinking about it now makes me drool!

Finally, to cap all the good food, here is my favorite drink: the Fruity Mint Smoothie
 I know most people scare easy when they hear of the word "mint". They immediately think: toothpaste. But no! Please, don't be fooled by the name. Mint, as a herb, actually tastes amazing! Tagaytay-Batangas establishments usually put this in a lot of their drinks because it gives it depth. I can't describe the drink more, but please trust me on this. It's super good! You must not miss out on this!

I saw this plant box by the door and I was so tempted to buy me some mint but then I remembered how hot it is in our place and had second thoughts on whether the plant will live in that environment. *sigh*  

We had such a great time at Antonio's-- actually, all the times we went to Antonio's have been amazing experiences for us. Rightfully so because Antonio's is recognized by Miele guide as one of the best restaurants in the Philippines.

So there you go! Happy Easter everyone!

Related Posts:
Sophia's Trip to Antonio's
Breakfast at Antonio's
Cool comfort rooms at Antonio's


Antonio’s is located at Purok 138, Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City, Batangas, Philippines
For inquiries, please call +63 (917) 899.2866 or
+63 (918) 899.2866.
Breakfast at Antonio’s is located along Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Bagong Tubig, Tagaytay City, Batangas, Philippines
For inquiries, please call +63 (46) 413.0738
The Grill by Antonio’s is located at One Destination, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Batangas, Philippines
For inquiries, please call +63 (46) 483.4847


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Up in the sky: The Sky Eye Experience

Ferris Wheels are one of my "things". I love being in high places and the view from the top of anything high always gives me much glee. That is why when we heard that the Sky Eye, the tallest ferris wheel in the country is now operational, we couldn't wait to visit it!

The Sky Eye is one of the attractions in the newly opened Sky Ranch in Tagaytay. The amusement park is only semi-open. A big part of it is still under construction and the number of rides are very limited. But to be honest, I don't care so much about the other rides, that one gigantic ferris wheel is enough attraction already.


The ride costs P150.00 for ten minutes. It's a bit steep considering it's only gonna last ten minutes but I think that's the going rate for ferris wheel rides anyway so I guess there's not much to complain about.


We went at around 3:30pm and we were so worried that it might be too hot. We would have wanted to go at around 5pm to catch the sunset but that's too late already considering it was a Sunday and we had work the next day.

Our main concern about going at 3pm was the fact that the ride might not have airconditioning. But much to our delight, we found out that each cubicle was equipped with its own aircon! In fact, it was pretty cold inside which added to the whole comfort of the ride.


The view from the top is just spectacular! It has the most perfect view of Taal Volcano. As the ride was going up, we couldn't stop giggling co'z it was so much fun! As the ride inched its way to the top, the view got better and the "coolness" of the entire experience elevated. It was so beautiful!



I'd love to ride the Sky Eye again soon. Ten minutes is just too short! It's such a relaxing and extraordinary experience I want to relive it over and over. And over. And again. (oh yes, I'm addicted like that!)


The Sky Eye is located in Sky Fun Amusement Park, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Bring out your inner Archer at Gandiva!

It was spurred by the fascination with Legolas of Lord of the Rings. Then Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games came. Then we found out there's an archery place in Manila that serves VEGETARIAN food-- And the rest, they say is history-- or in our case, the start of a cool hobby :)


The first time Sophia and I went to Gandiva, we didn't get to do archery. The place was packed and it was just us two that we felt ashamed since we were beginners and the ones playing looked like pros. So we decided we'll just go back and tag our friends along. Months passed and we couldn't find a common schedule until yesterday!

We ate first at the Gandiva cafe which serves Vegetarian food. Everything on the menu was vegetarian and that's one of the major reasons I really wanted to go back to the place. It's such a nice break to be in a restaurant where I can order anything I want off the menu. Yeheyyy!


We got the 18" 4-cheese pizza and the spaghetti with "beef" salpicao. Everything tasted amazing! We particularly enjoyed the "beef" co'z it was pretty tasty for mere gluten. It did taste like beef salpicao! Yum! After lunch, we prepped up for an hour-long archery stint!
It was our first time to try archery but after laying down the basics (which were pretty easy to learn), we focused our attention on hitting the bull's eye!



Sophia had to leave at that time for another appointment so she didn't get to shoot arrows with us :(

We were so focused on hitting the targets, we were all sweating. At that time, it dawned on me that archery is indeed a sport so the profuse sweating and necessary focus was actually part of it. The "trainors" however were very helpful and they guided us so we'd do it properly. In a matter of minutes, we got the hang of it and were setting targets for ourselves. How very competitive of us! Lol!


Thank you Gandiva for an amazing experience! I used to think archery was intimidating but you made it seem so easy and fun! Thank you so much too to my dearest friends for trying archery with me! Another item off my bucketlist! Yehey! :)

If you want to unleash your inner Legolas or Katniss Everdeen, check out the links below:

website: www.gandiva.com.ph
facebook: Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range

Gandiva Cafe and Archery
Unit 704 One Corporate Center, Julio Vargas St.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Manila

Thursday, March 21, 2013

When love finds you

We go on aimlessly in this world not fully knowing what we want out of it. It's an unending journey of trying to find ourselves but in all these confusion; of soul searching; of finding our lives' purpose, there's one thing people have in common-- everyone's looking for their perfect halves.


Life is not just solely about finding that right guy or falling in love, there is so much more to it. But you have to admit that love, in its purest sense, is what would make our lives complete.

We will aim for success. For a good family. For comfort. For friendship. For contentment. For happiness. For beauty. For confidence. For strength. And for love... because love is what will complete us.


Love is part of that big equation. And rightfully so. Love is that one emotion that encapsulates everything that we've been through and what we live for. It comes in so many forms but the most beautiful of all is that between a man and a woman. It is rare and special and truly magical.


My goal is to find that kind of love. As stupid as it may sound, I still believe in fairy tales-- in meeting someone and feeling the kind of love that is not peaceful or calm, but that which turns your world upside down; that which seems unbelievable; the over-your-head kind. It's unlike anything you've ever felt before and yet there you are, feeling it for that one person. You cannot explain it, you can't wrap your head around it, all logic seem to fly out the window. You just know... you just know and feel that it is right. He is right.

As Haruki Murakami once said, we go about this life trying to find that 100% perfect girl/boy for us. They do not necessarily have to be the most good looking or the smartest or the kindest. They're just their own unique selves.


Sometimes we meet people who come close enough. Even those that are 80% or 90%. It is these people that keeps us going; gives us hope that the 100% perfect person is out there. At one point in our lives we will meet them. Only God knows when or where or how, but as I'd like to believe, it's not our job to think of the when's or where's or how's. Leave it to the universe and carry on everyday believing that when love finally finds us worthy, love will come to us :)

// I've entered these photos at the "Have you found your Solemate" campaign of SM. Click here to vote for me! Please and thank you! // 

White tank top - Candy
Floral skater skirt - Meg
Light pink ballet flats - Solemate

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Japan-nice tumblers

Look at these lovely tumblers I chanced upon Starbucks the other day:

Cherry Blossoms!!! They're so pretty! I especially like the ones with the blue covers co'z it has this metallic undertone which changes color in the light. So cute!

Perhaps you'd want to give these as a graduation gift? Or just a thoughtful and cute gift to a friend who likes cherry blossoms and all things Japanese. Well, whatever your purpose is, just keep in mind that if you want these, head to your nearest Starbucks asap co'z they sell like pancakes!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Don't you worry child

It's so easy to succumb to sadness. It's so much easier to be sad than happy. It's like in a default state, we are more often sad or to say it better, empty until something amazing happens and makes us smile.


It's a sad life. That's the truth. But the sadness is not permanent. As Swedish House Mafia puts it, Don't you worry child, see heaven's got a plan for you.



I'd like to believe that we don't have 100% control over our lives. I'd like to think there is indeed a higher being looking after us and directing our course. I admit I am not very devout but I have faith. I believe in God. I believe in the power of the universe and that we are put into this world for a purpose.


Believing in something bigger than yourself is important. It is what will keep you sane. Because if you do not believe in the impossible, you would have a hard time staying optimistic about this cruel world.



Yes, Swedish House Mafia really couldn't have said it better-- Heaven's got a plan for you. So don't you worry, child.

Orange skater dress - Never Been Kissed
Orange Ballet flats - Solemate
"Don't you worry child" String Art - Chorchi

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Best resorts near Manila

A few weeks ago, I went into crazy mode in search of a good resort to go to near Manila. The whole ordeal was so stressful for me because almost everything I checked out were either too expensive or fully booked. In the end, my plans to spend time away from the Metro did not push through but it did leave me one very big realization-- There are SO many beautiful places to vacation to near Manila and here are just some of the ones that top my list:

1. Club Balai Isabel (Talisay, Batangas)
I have this bias for Balai Isabel because I've been there before and I absolutely love the place! The whole experience was so amazing for me, I know I'll forever remember it. The amenities are great, the living quarters well maintained, the pools are absolutely gorgeous and the view of taal volcano-- just surreal. I remember so fondly how we had a bonfire on the shore, and just laid there watching the stars. The whole experience was so beautiful! It was luxurious, yet laid back and just feels so relaxing :)


website: balaiisabel.com

Pocket damage: Php4,000-17,000.00 (I suggest getting the villas which has cooking option to save on food costs. It can also accommodate more people so you can split the fee)


2. 88 Hotspring Resort (Pansol, Laguna)
I don't usually like going to hotspring resorts but when I saw this online, I didn't hesitate to contact them to check on their availability. The place looks absolutely gorgeous!!! The best part is, the rooms are not costly at all! Standard rooms are at P3,000, Suite - P4,900, with additional pax at P500.00 each.
website: http://www.88resort.com/en/

3. Acuatico (Laiya, Batangas)
It was love at first sight! The infinity pool is to die for! I had a jaw-dropping moment when I saw their site. The place is beyond amazing! If not for our big group (there are six of us), I would have booked this place on a whim. It was expensive, yes, but really with a place that looks like that? It's definitely worth every penny!
website: http://www.acuaticoresort.com.ph/

4. Acuaverde (Laiya, Batangas)
This is Acuatico's sister resort. It is also as amazing as Acuatico but relatively cheaper plus, you can schedule a day tour for only 1,000! The only difference between this and Acuatico is the fact that it doesn't have that famous infinity pool that Acuatico has but since Laiya is a very beautiful beach, you wouldn't mind swimming in the sea instead.

website: http://www.acuaverderesort.com.ph/

5. Stilts Calatagan
This one was recommended to us by our intern who lives in Batangas. She tells us that the place is beautiful and I couldn't agree more! It's not as "modern" as Acuatico or Acuaverde but it has this quintessential look that makes it so appealing. The rooms are on stilts which makes you feel so native and on vacay mode.

website: http://stiltscalataganbeachresort.net/

BUROT BEACH


Technically, Burot beach is not a resort, so it shouldn't even be in this list. But we just recently went there and it's a BEAUTIFUL place, despite the lack of facilities, and I think it deserves a spot in this list. Click here to read more about our Burot experience.

There you go! Hope this list helps you in your search for a brief getaway this weekend. Enjoy!

Photocredit: Google images (sorry, there are just too many websites to credit. My apologies to the owners and thank you!)

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