EAT| PRAY| LOVE

My mind is filled with so much things I want to add here in my blog. Aside from the fa applications, updates; personal journeys; recent hang-out; and etc, I decided to have this EAT| PRAY| LOVE category.

EAT: all the food trips, cafe visits, etc.
PRAY: churches, life as a choir member, personal journeys as I chase my dream and the likes
LOVE: things I recently like, loved and bought.

Pray, Eat, Enjoy

After weeks of planning, another get together with my former colleagues slash friends pursued. This time, we didn’t battle the scorching sun, the crowd on a Christmas rush and the hustle and bustle of the Manila. We embraced the Tagaytay breeze! In my previous post entitled: Approximately 23 Kilometers away from Home, my friend and I visited churches and other places from lunch time til 6 pm. Our recent trip to Tagaytay was longer because we started earlier. We still visited the places we’ve been to before and added other places that I think my friends would appreciate since I could say that I frequently visit Tagaytay since I’m from Cavite.

Anyway, let me share our Tagaytay moments with you readers. 

1. Pink Sisters 

There’s really something in this place that could entice visitors to pay a visit whenever they go to Tagaytay. Parking was unquestionable. The place provides enough parking space during ordinary days. They do not allow visitors to park inside the vicinity of the church during holy week. I do not know during Sundays when they have mass, probably, the parking space would be filled just like any other churches during Sundays.

2.       Our Lady of Lourdes

We were supposed to visit Angel Hills after praying at Pink Sisters, but the gate was closed so, minus one on our itinerary. We went straight to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. GMA’s Bantatay had one scene shot on this church. I was able to appreciate the church more last week, since it wasn’t crowded. 

 I noticed that it was spacious and they now have a small ‘chapel’ where you could light a candle and utter your prayers. 

What every candle color signifies

3.       Carlo’s Pizza

Time for lunch! There goes my word “supposedly” I planned to bring my friends to Piccolo Mondo, but, hola! It wasn’t there anymore! Sad. We decided to go to Carlo’s Pizza instead because we really wanted pizza and pasta for lunch. Even if we weren’t able to taste the “authentic” Italian pizza, we were happy at least, we were still able to eat pizza with a picturesque scene that our eyes could reach while eating.

The view from our table :)

4.       Tierra de Maria

From the very first time I’ve been to Tierra, I said to myself that I’d definitely come back. I didn’t fail myself. This time, my heart wasn’t broken by any circumstance that happened, my heart was stronger and I’m happier.  The only thing that would concern you was the parking space, it rained last week and the space where you could park was muddy, but there were vendors outside the place that could assist you, and in return, they would ask you to buy something from them. Hehe. 

group pic!

On my way out, I picked a small piece of paper that contains a bible scripture:

Knowing that whatever we may ask, He hears us, we know that we have already been granted what we asked of Him. – 1 Jn 5:15

The bible scripture made my trip more complete. A beautiful message indeed. I need that kind of encouragement. I’m still fighting for my dream, and I don’t when will I get to where I want to be, but I know God is with me and would always be. I wouldn’t have enough strength, courage and determination if God’s not at my side.

5.       Coffee time! Bag of Beans

It was my first time to get to BB! I even phoned my friend because I do not know where it was exactly located. It saves time when you know where you’re going, besides, I need to get home the soonest time possible because mom and dad needs to attend a Christmas party by then. This was located along the highway, passing by Casino Filipino, Taal Vista, Mendez Crossing, if you’re coming from Cavite. There was a big signage along the highway (right side), so you wouldn’t miss this. This would give you a new ambiance where you’re in a mood for a chit chat with friends over coffee. 

They have a small cabana, chairs under an umbrella and wooden chairs near the trees. They also serve, breakfast and lunch. Their coffee was cheaper than other coffee shops around the metro. Coffee starts at 95 pesos, served in a coffee cup. The most pricey drinks was at 135 pesos.

My white Mocha. Sweeter than Starbucks

Their YUMMeeY Blueberry Cheesecake, a must try! :)

 

6.       Mushroom Burger

Just a short stop. We just bought burgers. The price increased by 5 pesos! Their Pinoy Burger was only 25 pesos but last week, it was  +5 pesos. I bought home 2 burgers, not for myself, but for mi madre and mi padre.  The place was quite jam packed. Maybe, the Tagaytay visitors want to have a taste of burger not made from beef patty. :)

7. Summit Ridge

This was another short stop. We just bought pasalubong at Amira's. We waited for minutes before I was able to parked the car. We weren't able to look at the items sold at the on going Fiesta Bazaar.

Amira's, located at the 2/F of Summit Ridge

 Amira's tart was the best pasalubong! If you want a different pasalubong aside from the usual Buko Pie from Colette's, I advise you pass by Amira's. A box of tart costs 160 pesos, available in different flavors (buko, ube, mango/cheese, etc.). They also sell Ube-Halaya.

8. Cliffhouse

My friend and I wanted to eat Mochi but, FAIL! Because I was in a hurry. We just had our photos taken around the place and we just paid the 100 pesos parking fee. Btw, the fee would be waived if you present a receipt from any of the restaurant inside Cliffhouse.

Arra

with friends

rawr!! :)

Tagaytay: Eat, pray, rampah! The christmas edition :)

The Second Time Around

Last Saturday, our second Binondo (food trip) visit pushed through! 

My friend had been inviting our other old colleagues to come with us but some were not available last Weekend, some, have personal reasons. We pursued the food trip even if we’re only three. It would always be the experience that counts, and, the quality could never be measured by the number of people who made up the trip. I always believe in quality over quantity :) 

We were supposed to meet at Mc Donald’s Binondo by 11 am but I went out of the house at 10:30 so I advised them that I’d be late. It so happened that my friend had to go back to their house because she forgot to bring the “puto-Marikina” we asked her. When I was in Quirino cor. Taft Avenue, they sent me a message telling they were still on a bus at Legarda and will be hailing a jeepney at Philippine Normal University (PNU), so I said I’d be waiting for them at PNU.

I arrived first but didn’t take so much waiting for my two friends. By 12 noon, we were Binondo-bound. Traffic was really evident just after passing Park&Ride. It was not unusual. It’s actually a normal situation at Binondo during weekends plus, everyone seemed to be going to Divisoria for their respective Christmas shopping. 

We were really hungry so we decided to go to SINCERITY first before going elsewhere. We loved and we missed their fried chicken. If you’re planning to go to Binondo, I would suggest you visit Sincerity (located at Yuchengco St.; to go there, you could pass by Carvajal St., when you reached the end, turn right and just walk straight and keep right )  Half chicken costs 150 Php; while the whole Chicken costs 300 Php. You’d definitely love their chicken, if you’re looking for a different taste, this would be the one!

Second stop: Dong Bei Dumplings (Yuchengco St. Cor Tytana)

 

From Sincerity,we just walked straight passing by Chuang Kee and a school ( I think that was Lorenzo Ruiz Academy).

The glass with Chinese Characters plus the ladies creating something would be your mark, plus, they have a signage big enough to see their name and for them to be located. Funny thing because at first, we were a bit hesitant to come inside as we saw a lady dumpling maker in front of the restaurant. After a few seconds of figuring out if we're entering the right door, we decided to enter as we didn't see any other doors of the restaurant. 

If this was the only menu, we would be staring at this the whole day :))

The menu given to us :)

We ordered:

Tofu, 150 Php

Dumpling (vegetarian stuffing), 80 Php

The Tofu had a stuffing too! I think the vegetable stuffing on the dumpling was also the stuffing on the Tofu.

After our Dong Bei Dumplings moment, we just walked around because we were so full. We were supposed to stop at Binondo Church to utter our prayers but there was an ongoing wedding so we just went to Eng Bee Tin instead, buy our pasalubongs then rode a jeep going to Taft.

The minutes we spent on the jeepney going to Taft seemed very long and exhausting. The jeepney ride turned out to be a roller coaster ride. I spent my college years in Taft but I never rode with a driver who drove like crazy!

At Taft, we went to Flaming Wings. We need sugar rush because we lost our energy on our jeepney ride. :P
We ordered Wicked Oreo to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Deep Fried Oreos with Vanilla Ice Cream

Sweet craving at 75 Php

Another must try! I totally forgot about my diet. I may never get to try this when I get to work again :))

Yummy dessert on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Manila. 

We didn't stay long at Flaming wings. After we finished our respective plates, we went to Noriter located along Estrada St. It was my second time at Noriter. Since it was a Saturday, the place was not jam packed. You could easily find a seat and you're more free to take pictures of the Coffee Prince-ish place.

Sharing a slice of Sansrival with friends (90 Php/slice)

Goofing around with Lars and Geli

 More Noriter photos:

By 6 pm, we left Taft. By 9:00 I'm at home, after the 1 hour waiting at the bus terminal and the almost 2 hour ride going back home to Cavite.

Expenses for the Day (food):

Sincerity ( All expenses paid, but if not) : 150 (chicken) / 3 = 50

                                                               drinks =  35

                                                             _________________

                                                                       85

Dong Bei Dumplings:   Dumplings = 80

                                   Tofu  = 150

                                               _____________

                                                 230 / 3 = 76.67 

Flaming Wings: 75

Noriter: 90 (slice) / 3 = 30

Total: 85+76.67+75+30 =  266.67 

How wicked are you?

Just a glimpse of what to expect on my next entry

The famous Wicked Oreo of Flaming Wings

Chow!

BINONDO -  You might read about this place on your history books or you might heard about this so many times. You wouldn't miss this place when you're heading to Divisoria (from Lawton). According to Wikipedia:

Binondo is an enclave in Manila primarily populated by Chinese immigrants living in the Philippines. Historically, the place called Parían near Intramuros was where the unconverted Chinese immigrants (called Sangley by the Spaniards) lived while Binondo was the place where the converted sangleys and their descendants, the mestizos de sangley or Chinese mestizos resided. The Parian was sited by the Spaniards within the range of Intramuros cannons, to prevent any uprising coming from the Chinese.

My friend and I usually go to Binondo Church after attending a novena at St.Jude but we never tried going on a food trip, instead, we would just eat at Mc Donald's :)) Last August, while she was at her hometown on the beautiful Albay, we were talking about going on a food trip at Binondo. Luckily, there was this episode on Tara Let's Eat (Q11 hosted by Tonipet) featuring Binondo. When my friend went back to Manila after the said episode had been aired, we finally marked our calendar for a food trip at Chinatown!

Frankly, I never tried going on a food trip because I'm always on a diet. Two years ago, my friend celebrated her birthday with only few of us, her friends at Saisaki, the eat-all-you-can thing was not worth the price! because my tummy couldn't contain much food. :P 

On the last week of September, my friend and I decided to meet at Quiapo on a lunch time before heading to Binondo. We wanted to have lunch at Binondo while waiting for our other friend. We've learned some of the must try restaurants when we watched Tara Let's Eat, but before eating, we first passed by the church to pray. The people were actually preparing the church for a wedding, so my friend and I never wasted even a single second to say whatever we want to say to God.

After praying, we looked for Chuankee Fastfood to try for whatever they have on their menu. My friend and I decided to just share so we could eat more.

We ordered Cha-Mi (95 Php), looked like LOMI minus the sabaw.
Serving: I think it would be good for 2-3 persons.
Taste: Thumbs up!! Thumbs up!! At first, you might think like it may just be the same with other pancit, but it wasn't. I just couldn't find words to describe the taste. All I could say is I would recommend this when you happened to visit Binondo.

After our lunch at Chuankee, we went to Mc Donald's  first and waited for our other friend. We needed a break first before feeding our stomach with another food! :)

Next stop: Sincerity
I've read this on Charlie's blog  and Tara Let's Eat also included this on their episode. Of course we tried for their best seller: Fried chiken! (8 pcs for 150 Php). Not your ordinary fried chicken! Not the usual taste of fried chicken! Really a must try!

Next Stop: Eng Bee Tin
Whenever I go to Binondo, my mom would usually ask me to buy hopia. She would really give me a budget so I could bring home hopia and anything from Eng Bee Tin.  They have several flavors. Pick your favorite taste! :) They also have Mongo Lite and Hopia Combi (two flavors in one pack) and etc.

*We were supposed to look for Happy Delicious to bring home fried siopao but we couldn't find Benavidez St. :( I ended up bringing home nothing since mom didn't ask me to buy anything from Eng Bee Tin. * So if anyone who would read this knows the location of Happy Delicious, I would appreciate your help through a comment.*

Last Stop: Starbucks

A sip for more stories to tell

All expenses paid! :) My friends (Lars and Geli) were generous, really generous enough to share what they have. Geli paid for my Mango Passion Fruit while Lars paid for the doughnuts! I missed moments like that - I mean, going to a coffee shop with friends just for you to have more time to exchange stories and all. Coffee shops would really be a good idea when you just want to update your friends about your recent stories and vice versa. We really had a good time that we didn't notice it was getting darker outside and it was time to go home. Time's fleeting when you're having fun as they say. True. True. True. Nevertheless, the day would seem so sinful for me since I cut down my diet for a day, but sometimes, it's good to break your usual routine to try something else you haven't tried before. :) Great try. Great time. I  had a three-letter word for what I did: F-U-N.

Parisian Feel

I just discovered a new place at MOA - Cafe 5845. I had no idea when it started but it was only this morning that I first saw that at the Entertainment Mall. It caught my attention not just because it was new to me  but because I've thought of Europe, particularly, Paris. According to the results Google provided me,the term "guinguette" meant Open-Air Cafés.

My friend and I decided to see the menu when we passed by the cafe to check if we could afford the food and coffee. At first, you'd think the prices were like that of Starbucks' or higher than that, but it was not! Everything was affordable, sad they did not have frappuccino which I really missed now. I just settled for an Iced Mocha (Iced coffee - 67.00 - regular and 73.00 - tall) and vegetarian pizza (56.00) .

 Guinguette in Paris:

 Cafe 5845

view from the 2nd floor

The cafe would look like a doll house when you view it from the 2nd floor. I loved those laces on the umbrellas. If you would notice there's an Eden logo under the numbers 5845, after another search via Google, Cafe 5845 was Manila's First Cheese Restaurant, collaborated by Kraft Foods Philippines and the Magsaysay Center for Culinary Arts (you may click HERE to read an entry about Cafe 5845). Once you had your seat, the service crew would approach you and hand you their menu with the Eden logo on the cover.

iced mocha

Vegetarian Pizza

We waited for minutes before the pizza arrived, but, at least, the food was still fresh from the oven.

If you feel like you're always at Starbucks and wanting a new ambiance, or if you think, it was always jam packed, try hanging out at Cafe 5845 for a change.

source:
Guinguette Image

Approximately 23 Kilometers Away from Home

I mentioned in my previous post that my friend and I planned to go to Tagaytay. I've been there many times but I'd always want to come back. There's something in Tagaytay that made me fall in love over and over everytime I set foot on the said city - maybe the cool breeze that sets a romantic mood or the overlooking image of the smallest volcano in the world, I could not say which of the two was the main reason. Either or, it wouldn't set a problem, as long as I enjoy the place. 

Before I share some photos from the trip,I wanted to give a short history of Tagaytay. I never posted facts about the place in my previous post. According to wowcavite.com :

Legend has it that the word “Tagaytay” came from “TAGA” meaning “to cut” and “ITAY” which means “Father”. A father and son were said to be on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were chasing turned and attacked them. As the boar charged towards the old man, the son cried “TAGA- ITAY”. The boy’s repeated shouts reverberated in the valleys of the ridge. Heard by the residents, hunters and wood gatherers, the cries became the subject of conversation for several days among the people in the countryside. In time, the place where the shouts came from became known as TAGAYTAY.

Even though I hate the Cavite traffic, in a way, I'm thankful I live 3 towns away from Tagaytay. Last Tuesday, I was able to get to our first destination in less than an hour, but I bet, my dad and my other friends could beat that time (driving only 80-90 km/h at Aguinaldo highway).

Our First stop: Summit Ridge 

Summit Ridge Hotel 

The place was owned by Robinsons Land Corporation. The photo above was the hotel and beside it was an open air commercial center with: a number of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from, a supermarket, appliance store, shops and bank.

My friend and I arrived minutes before 1 p.m., still on time for lunch. We ate at Shakey', ordered bunch of lunch and later on had our dessert at Razon's. 
 




Second Stop: Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent

The Pink Sisters Chapel 

Also one of the famous landmarks when you're traveling at Tagaytay.

My friends and I would always include this in our 'itinerary' during the Holy Week.  At first, I was hesitant to go straight and park at the space but I saw a car at the back and at that moment,I was sure, it was really open for everyone during off peak season. 


Since it was just an ordinary Tuesday and the week had just started, the place was not jam packed. It was a good thing because you would get to pray more seriously because silence was around the place, not like when all the people were all over the place to do Stations of the Cross. 


You could also drop your petition letters and the nuns would be praying for you. Go to the leftmost side of the chapel. If ever you haven't written any letter, don't worry, papers and pens were provided.

Third Stop: Tierra de Maria 

50 ft Virgin Mary

 Two years ago, when I went to Glorietta, I was able to pass by an image of Virgin Mary. I wrote my petition and prayed. I got a flyer with a Make a W.I.S.H. and expect miracle to happen message at the top. A website was mentioned in the flyer and  I visited it, there, I found out about the gigantic image of Mama Mary at Tagaytay. I wanted to go to the place but never got the chance. 


Finally, last Tuesday,I was able to see the place in person. At first, I didn't know the exact location, I knew it was on the right side if you're coming from Rotonda. My friend and I were looking at every church/chapel we passed by, I said, " I know, you wouldn't miss it because of the huge image of Mama Mary". It was just across Development Academy of the Philippines, and just near Picnic Grove. 

Stations of the Cross will welcome you

Before going inside, you could stop on the wishing well and drop your coin. You could also offer a candle or candles for your petitions. 


It was my first time to be at Tierra de Maria. I was awed by the place. I've been to chapels and churches but that was, for me, the most intimate. I was laughing at hyper the whole time I was driving and taking photos, but when I got inside, silence enveloped my system. I was observing the images. I was awed by everything the chapel offered me. Seriously, you would really feel the presence of God, not that you could not feel God's presence on other chapels and churches,  I felt like my heart was really touched everytime I hold the images. I knew at that very moment, I was talking to God and God was telling me to leave my worries behind and say what I wanted to say.  There's another corner inside that caught my attention, another prayer corner with lots of rosaries hanging. 


On our way out, my friend and I got a bible scripture:
 The message I got was very timely:

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

We also went upstairs and visited every floor.
You'd see the liturgical calendar on the second floor. It was educational and had some facts on every date and it was also a form of "special fund raising". You could put your names on your birth date provided you'd donate a certain amount of money which I failed to remember.

At the third floor, you could hold the hand of the 50 ft Mama Mary. Go straight and you'd also have a nice view of the Taal Volcano.

Hold her hand and make a WISH

Taal

 If you want some alone time or a place where you wanted to release all your stress and worries,I suggest you visit Tierra de Maria and have some moments with God. 

Fourth Stop: Mushroom Burger

It was my first time to have a taste of Mushroom Burger. We just bought burgers because we still have one more place to visit. Mom advised me to go home early because she was thinking of my safety, I just want to be an obedient daughter so there would be a next time for road trips :p 

Wishing well again :)

Mushroom burger was located near Casino Filipino and Taal Vista. You'd pass by those two first. Reviews said it was hard to park at Mushroom burger during weekends and peak seasons. 

Aside from the burgers,they also have other dishes at a very affordable price.


Fifth Stop: Cliffhouse 


 Now,I understand why this place had a parking fee of 100 Php - because of the romantic  scenery! 
The fee would be waived if you present a validation from any of the restaurants inside. 

If you want an Italian brunch, go to Buon Giorno. 

Craving for crepes? Have a stop at Cafe Breton. 


If you want to feel the cold breeze more, take your pick, either you buy an ice cream at Fruits in Ice Cream or have a Fling. 

Other restaurants would include Fire Lake Grill,Domicillo and Platito. 


After I parked the van, my friend and I had our pictures first. We could not resist the beauty of the view. If I have a boyfriend, I'd tell him we spend time at Cliffhouse. We'd sit on the white benches facing the taal lake, I'd lay my head on his shoulders while we hold hands and talk of our priorities, future plans, dreams,etc. OOOokay, enough for the imagination. haha. 

Anyway, my friend and I had a Fling for 85 pesos. :P

It's been months since I had a taste of frozen yogurt and I missed it. The craving was satisfied last Tuesday and with a bonus of course - a great ambiance.

The trip was only half day, started driving by 12 noon and by 6:00 pm we're on our way back home, but it was really worth it! By the way, before I end this post, for you travelers out there, buy boxes of Amira's Tart as your pasalubong.

I hope I was able to bring Tagaytay to you! :)