Food Trip - Tagaytay
First stop, Sonya’s Bed and Breakfast.
Even if you end up hating the food, the dining experience is enough reason for me to come back again.The restaurant area is huge and full of light so it’s good for photo opps. We spent Php1240 (Php620/head) for unlimited fresh green salad, homebaked bread with assorted dip (tomato, basil pesto, anchovies, etc), pasta, fresh dalandan juice (very refreshing!), chocolate cake, mini-turon and tea. We love the food and will definitely go back again. In fact, it’s the only meal that we really enjoyed in Tagaytay.
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Buon Giorno
Typical italian fare. Nice ambience too. We would’ve love to stay outside but it was already dark when we went there.
Insalata Caesar - Romaine lettuce brought to life with fresh parmesan cheese flakes, grilled chicken strips and a subtle bite of garlic
Spaghetti Vongole e Gamberetti -Spaghetti served with clams and shrimps
Osso Bucco
Price is not bad, in fact it’s very affordable. Although the salad and pasta we’re a hit, for me and Sandy at least, the osso bucco was just okay.
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Verbena (Discovery Suites)
Spent my birthday dinner here. Lovely interior, romantic place, a bit dark for photos, and expensive too. (kaya di siguro ako nasarapan hehe)
Organic Mozzarella Cheese Pot- Served “fondue style” with spiced tomato sugo, fresh Tagaytay herbs and warm focaccia
Organic salad
Sandy was very tired when we ate here so Sherwin and I took turns in distracting her by walking around the place.
(No photos) Black Peppered Fetuccini - love this. With garlic, bacon, portabello mushroom
Grilled Austalian Lamb Chops - just okay. I wasn’t able to appreciate it because Sandy was getting antsy.
I felt a little bad too because Sandy didn’t want to eat or even try anything except for the tomatoes on the salad and steak. We asked the waiter if we can order some tomatoes for Sandy so they served her 10 baby tomatoes LOL.
She only brightened up when dessert came. I forgot what it’s called but it’s very similar to Sentro’s triple choco mousse. The dessert was worth the price, by the way.
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When we couldn’t go out because of the weather, we eat at Taal Vista’s restaurant. The prices would’ve been okay if only there were more variety. The musicians serenading you while you eat is a nice touch, though. Sandy looks for them all the time whenever we eat at the hotel.
Buffet Breakfast at Taal Vista
Very filling. I really love buffet breakfasts. The first stage for me is choosing the bread, cereals (cornflakes or bran), pastry, blueberry pancakes, fruits. The second part consist of bacons, sausages, garlic rice, more bread, corned beef or beef tapa, omelet (mushroom, green bell peppers), fresh green salads. Dessert is next and don’t forget refillable coffee and fruit juices.
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We ate at McDonalds when we got stranded too. Then just before we head back to Manila, we had a quick breakfast at Bag O’ Beans.
Their pancakes are huge, that’s all I can say!
Our Tagaytay Getaway - Accommodation
Okay, so even if it rained like crazy last weekend, I can still say that we had so much fun. We have so many photos but I’ll just share with you my favorites and stories behind them. If you want to see all the photos, visit my Flickr.
Where we stayed
Taal Vista Hotel
We booked their Deluxe room online at Php 7,200 a night. It has a nice view of Taal Lake and big enough for a toddler who wants to run around.
I love this place because there’s so much stuff to do. The food is good; musicians will serenade you while you dine, a big grassy area for the little one, a playroom, entertainment room (darts and billiards), huge swimming pool, and a view deck for photo opps.
View deck of Taal Vista
The view from our room
Whenever we stay in hotels, we always look forward to the buffet breakfast.
Yes, I ate all of them and more.
I’ve heard and read so many bad reviews about the staff of Taal Vista but we didn’t encounter any problems while we were there. Everyone was ready to serve you and they were all polite and accommodating. And when we got stranded, we were offered a cheaper room (Superior) for only Php2, 999 (original rate is Php5, 000++). When we were about to switch rooms, the reservation officer said we can stay in our current room for the same price. Great deal huh!
Their business center is a bit shabby, with only two computers inside. Maybe it’s because you are expected to bring your laptop? I do like to copy the way they used an HDMI wall plate to organize the cables. Internet fee is Php 2.00/hour btw.
To end this post, I highly recommend Taal Vista Hotel if you’re staying with kids. It’s way more cheaper than Discovery Suites and definitely more spacious than Boutique.
Next post - food trip!
Happy Birthday to me
Yes, binagyo ng sobra ang birthday ko. But it’s okay. It always rains whenever we’re out of town. And because we couldn’t see the roads anymore, we had to stay one more night.
OO nga pala, thanks for the greetings people! Will be posting lots of photos in the next couple of days. 
Tagaytay Hunt
I’ve been doing nothing but browse travel guides and forums for the past two days. My birthday is in two weeks and we’re planning to spend our weekend in Tagaytay. All the hotels that I want are fully booked though. Well, they have rooms if you call the hotel directly, but I’m after Internet discounts because they’re so much cheaper, around Php1500-Php2,000 on some. I checked out The Boutique but the only room that falls on my budget is “I Escape” so thank you but no. We don’t want to spend our weekend in a room without windows. Perhaps on our anniversary, we can indulge and go for the I Lust room but not this month. Although we prefer rooms with a view of the Taal Lake, the T House looked promising so we’re putting that on top of our list. At Php5, 170, the rooms are huge and there are plenty of spaces for Sandy to run around. I guess I was convinced when I saw the pictures from here and here.
Cruise
My greatest dream travel is to be able to try one of those amazing cruises that I’ve been hearing so much about. Two of my single friends have tried going on one and they just can’t stop raving about it. Imagine getting a tan in a huge ship while being served gourmet meals and fabulous cocktail drinks. I’m not really crazy about other entertainments; I just want to be pampered like a queen. Still, I don’t know if we can manage to leave Sandy so perhaps we’ll do the cruise when she’s a bit older. There are family cruises now but it’s probably more expensive. All I know is that I need to try this before I turn 30.
The Cruise
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. I’ve heard so many great things about Alaska Cruises, from snow-capped mountains to ice blue glaciers to sightings of whales and penguins. I think this is something The Husband and I will enjoy. Just sit back in a huge ship and enjoy nature at its best. Of course, cruises are not just all about nature. After browsing through CruiseVacationCenter.com, I learned that aside from the nature tours, there are tons of stuff that you can do in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. You can shop for jewelry, Russian dolls, jade sculptures, specialty coffees and more in the downtown district. I find the site very easy to navigate and liked how many options you can choose from with its one click destination search. The site offers exceptional cruise lines like the Carnival Cruise where you will spend your days regardless of your age in fun-filled activities, entertainment, delectable food, relaxing spa and discovering new places. There’s also the luxurious Celebrity Cruise that includes wine tasting, art auctions, sumptuous food whipped by celebrity chefs and many more. Other lines are the famous Princess Cruise Line or “The Love Boat”, Norweigan Cruise, Holland America Cruise and Cunard. The founders of CruiseVacationCenter.com are actually veterans when it comes to cruises. They had so much fun with the cruises they went to that they wanted the world to know about them. Whether you’re looking for Cruises From New York or Hawaii Cruises, CruiseVacationCenter.com can provide you total satisfaction with its lowest prices and extraordinary service.
The Great Outdoors
I’ve always wanted to go camping. The Husband and I went to this island in Boracay on our first honeymoon and I dreamed of sleeping on the beach, with only the stars as our light. Since then, I’ve been checking out tents and other camping gears just in case a trip like that will ever come up. I saw this Eureka Tetragon 8 tent from ThompsonOutdoors.com and liked how durable it looks. It says it has a shockcorded fiberglass frame, a brimmed rear window that allows ventilation and a bathtub floor that can protect you from splashing rain. It sleeps four people so it will be spacious enough for the three of us. You can never be too careful when camping with a toddler, right? I know it’s not advisable to camp with a two year old but I saw a blogger who posted their camping trip with their one-year-old girl and they had a blast. So I’m sure I can convince my husband to do the same as long as we have the necessary equipments. Seeing all the camping gears being sold at ThompsonOutdoors.com just makes me excited even more. This site specializes in outdoor supplies and even have its own Outdoor Sports And Survival Gear section for those who want to brave the wild.
Soon, Paris.
Being OC that I am, I find it uncomfortable going to a new place or vacation spot without researching everything that I can about it. I’m not only looking for the best and cheapest accommodations or hottest restaurants but also the weather for the month that I’m planning to visit, crime rate, hospitals and even dollar exchange rate. I believe the best way to enjoy your vacation is to be worry free.
HotelsByCity.net is a travel site that also offers over 500 travel guides. If ever I get the chance to visit Paris, which I will when Sandy’s older, all I need to do is click on the Paris link from the HotelsByCity.net site to learn all about it. From Cheap Hotels in Paris; to famous attractions such as Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Champs Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral; to the best shopping deals and high end boutiques selling the latest haute couture; all the best spots are highlighted and carefully reviewed. The Louvre is an amazing museum and it’s one of the main reasons why I want to go to Paris. Seeing the famous artworks by the greatest masters up close is just priceless. I even learned from the site just now how important pieces throughout the museum has a handheld device that you can listen to, to understand the meaning of that piece. Aside from Paris attractions, hotels, and restaurants, you can also check the weather, read travel blog posts on Paris and access several links for more online resources for Paris. And when you’re done with your research, look no further for your hotel accommodations. With HotelsByCity.net’s guaranteed best rates, you can be sure that you’ll have extra cash to spend on shopping and touring Paris.
Only the Best in Vegas
If you’re looking for the best of Vegas, then this site is just for you - BestOfVegas.com. Best of Vegas can take you to all the best spots in Las Vegas and make your vacation memorable. Whether you’re looking for the best hotel rates or most popular Las Vegas Shows or coolest Vegas Nightclub, you can find and book them at the Best of Vegas website for the best price. A quick browse through their top 10 lists will give you a handpicked selection of the best that Las Vegas has to offer. Be mesmerized with Cirque Du Soleil, get VIP passes for the hottest parties, witness the beauty of Grand Canyon and pamper yourself on one of the most popular hotels in Vegas. All of these are just within reach at BestofVegas.com.
Discount Tickets For All
You don’t have to worry about the endless admission tickets in Disney World anymore. Orlandofuntickets.com offers the lowest prices on all discount tickets for Disney World and other Orlando theme parks. Walt Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks and more. You and your friends can enjoy all of them using the “Disney Magic Your Way” option, which lets you choose from one to ten-day admissions. Orlando is also popular for their dinner shows such as Arabian nights, Medieval times and Pirates Dinner adventure. These dinner shows are guaranteed to give you the best value for evening entertainment. Aside from discount Sea World Tickets, Orlandofuntickets.com now has a limited time special offer of a 2nd day free entrance at Sea World if you buy a one-day ticket. Everything is cheap at Orlandofuntickets.com so you can share the magic with all your family and friends.
The Legendary Island
Want to go somewhere different this holiday? There’s this place where legends are alive with a history so rich and colorful. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a quick adventure, or just wants to get close to nature, Amelia Island is the place to go. This island in Florida was voted one of the top10 islands in America by Condé Nast readers. With its postcard perfect Centre Street, beautiful Victorian-style mansions and Victorian cottages dating back to the late 19th century, a historical fort great for hikes and bird watching; it’s the perfect escape from the outside world.
I personally would like to visit the place with my family. The Husband and I loves anything that will make you feel suspended in the past - museums, old houses and churches, stories and legends about towns and even find wonders at old rocks and trees. If you’re anything like me, now is the best time to book your vacation. Amelia Island is currently offering a “Book 2 Nights and Get 3rd Free” Lodging Special starting now through February 29th, 2008. You can avail of the third night for free if you stayed at any of the 12 participating hotels and bed and breakfasts at the Amelia Island. This deal is perfect if you want to escape the cold weather with the family or celebrate a post-valentine date with your loved one.
Bohol day 3
The Happy Camper
On our first night, Sandy met Umi. His parents we’re attending a convention so he usually just swims with his yaya. Umi and Sandy clicked immediately. Whenever Sandy wakes up, she looks for her friend Umi. I found out later that Umi looks for Sandy all the time too. He even wanted to go to Sandy’s room after seeing Sandy’s toys and shoes outside our room.
Family photos. Sandy was cranky here because she’d rather play with her friend on the sand.
I guess it helped a lot that Sandy met a friend there. She was more confident to try out new things, braver and if may I say so, more rowdy than ever. Umi was the reason why she wanted to try out walking barefoot on the beach. The trip was more enjoyable because finally, Sandy found someone to make a mess with. Since she’s so busy, I had some time to rest, watching the calm waters and enjoying the heat of the sun.
Random photos
More photos at Flickr and Webshots
Off to the beach - Bohol day 2
I initially planned to go island hopping but seeing how tired we all were, we’ve decided to just hang out at the hotel.
Bohol Beach Club is huge, by the way. It has three big pools, two restaurants that serve great food and numerous nice, comfortable rooms. There are two wings - Habagat and Amihan. Amihan is closer to the beach beds with huts but I heard that the rooms there were small and the mosquitoes are plenty. We stayed in Habagat because I wanted a bigger room. I love how our room was so close to the ocean, pool and main restaurant. With a toddler in tow, you wouldn’t know how many times you will need to go back to your room.
And did I mention how we loved the food? The buffet, at least. Which is why I gained a total of 5 lbs and I’m not even sure if that’s possible. See how rested I am?
Sandy didn’t like the sand at first and kept walking on tiptoes. After seeing a starfish though, all she wants to do is “take a bath” on the beach.
This was our 4th anniversary, by the way. I’m glad that music is so common in Bohol that it made all our dinners romantic and special. The first night, there was this one guy who sings with his eyes closed. Man! It was like seeing all his emotions on his face. He smiles as if remembering a very special moment. He frowns as though he was regretting something in his past. Of course, this was just the romantic side of me talking. The Husband felt it too. Sandy was so mesmerized and even stopped eating just to stare at the musicians.
Here’s my handsome husband, Sherwin. Yihiii. (4 years na siyang swerte sa kin LOL)
More beach photos
More photos at Flickr and Webshots
Bohol Countryside Tour - 1st day
Went to the airport around 4am. The little girl was too excited to go to the beach “like hi5″ so she was all smiles and didn’t have enough time to get cranky. Her ears hurt so bad though that I had to breastfeed her to make it stop.
Reached bohol at exactly 7am. Our tour guide Mang Jun is very professional and you can feel how much he loves his town. We were very tired because we only slept like one hour the night before so the three of us nods off every now and then throughout the entire tour. I feel bad about this because Mang Jun have so many stories that he want to share. So I suggest to book a countryside tour when you’re feeling refreshed and awake.
Bohol is so clean and apparently, crime-free. We saw old houses, mangroves, swordsmiths, and tricycles with words of God at the back.
The Countryside Tour
The Tarsiers. Sandy loved them that we bought her a small keychain worth Php35. Of course, she lost it when we reached the hotel so we had to purchase the same model 4x the price at the hotel’s gift shop.
The Chocolate Hills (green actually)
The Butterfly Farm (the little girl just love butterflies so this was a treat for her and The Husband LOL)
The Man-made Forest (Loved the trees! I’ve been wanting to see a real forest for so long)
The Hanging Bridge
Loboc Cruise Tour (Music and nature combined. Would’ve been perfect if the food was great)
By this time, Sandy was very very cranky. Nakakaawa na nga eh. She was so tired and needs a nap real bad. She’s not like other kids who can sleep / rest in cars for long hours. We had to cut the trip short and just made one last stop at one of the oldest church in the Philippines.
Baclayon church
After the church, we went straight to Bohol Beach Club.
To be continued.
More photos at Flickr and Webshots
Bye Now
Okay, enough blogging. We’re off to Bohol in 5 hours! I’ll spend the remaining four hours designing business cards so I can show my boss how reliable I am even if I’m taking a vacation.
Can’t wait to feel the sand under my feet and the sun on my face. I promise to think all of you when I’m lying down on a beach bed, soaking up the sun.
Yeah, baby!
*images from Louis’ photoblog.
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About Joy
I am Dzoi, a 28 year old Filipina who currently works as a web designer. I am a loving wife to my equally loving husband Sherwin and a mommy cow to my 2-year-old daughter, Sandy.
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