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TAZA FRESH TABLE – TAAL VISTA HOTEL TAGAYTAY CITY

Tagaytay City is known for restaurants offering a panoramic view of the Taal Lake and the volcano.  This is their prime advantage and selling point.  But more than the picturesque views and the breathe of fresh air while dining, the fresh and finely selected cuisine is unforgettable at Taza Fresh Table.

Taza Fresh Table is one of the in-house restaurants of Taal Vista Hotel at Tagaytay City. In my case, the place became an instant cure for a hangover – from the ambiance, service and the food itself. 

Taza Fresh Table is driven by the passionate commitment to source local and cook global, ensuring consistent high quality cuisine showcasing organic, single-origin and sustainable ingredients on every plate.  The word Taza is derived from the Arabic word Taaza which means fresh.


TAZA FRESH TABLE – TAAL VISTA HOTEL TAGAYTAY CITY

We were fortunate to have occupied the restaurant a bit early for lunch and late for breakfast.  There were no other guests except our group.  The restaurant has the perfect vantage for a view of the Taal Lake and volcano.

TAZA FRESH TABLE – TAAL VISTA HOTEL TAGAYTAY CITY

And the main highlights of the gastronomic experience at Taza of Taal Vista Hotel are the food served itself, as if on a banquet.  Too early I should say for a feast, but every offering is truly delectable and not to mention the unique ingredients and presentation.

TAZA SALAD (PhP390.00)
Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, wild arugula, farm-fresh romaine, microgreens,
Cebu dried mangoes, radish, beets, a la minute tarragon-white wine vinaigrette

FRENCH TOAST (PhP310.00)
Served with homemade bacon, candied walnuts and caramelized banana
HOMEMADE BACON (PhP350.00)
10-day cured and 6-hour smoked, apple mango compote
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN (PhP395.00)
Served with waffles and maple syrup
EGGS BENEDICT HAM (PhP450.00)
Fresh market greens, home fries and Hollandaise
STEAK AND EGGS (PhP995.00)
Ribeye wagyu, fresh market greens and home fries
WAGYU BURGER (PhP650.00)
Ground Bukidnon wagyu, Tagaytay romaine lettuce,
mozzarella cheese, potato wedges, coleslaw

TOMAHAWK PORK CHOP (PhP800.00)
Caramelized onions and bananas, pok jus
These are just few of the outstanding offers of the restaurant.  It may be quite pricey but I assure you it's all worth it.



Operating Hours:

Monday to Thursday
11:30AM to 3:00PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Friday
7:00AM to 3:00PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday
7:00AM to 10:00PM
Sunday
7:00AM to 6:00PM



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The last time I had a weekend getaway at Taal Vista Hotel was when I attended a wedding for a good friend of mine and a fraternity brother in law school.  It was one of the relaxing moments as I recall, because everything we need for a short vacation was within the confines of the hotel.  We had no time to wander (or we ditched the idea) of roaming around the city.

On the same experience I had years ago, I am back at the Taal Vista Hotel together with my travel buddies.  And as expected, this will be mostly of food tasting and lounging with a view of the famed Taal Lake and Volcano.

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CAFÉ VOILA:  AUTHENTIC ASIAN FLAVORS AT YOUR DISPOSAL

I could say that our group are all well-versed and acquainted with Southeast Asia, ranging from culture, landmarks and most importantly cuisine.  We have been traveling around Southeast Asia even way before we entered the world of travel blogging. 

And in one weekend, the group converged enroute Tagaytay City for a staycation at Crosswind Resort Suites after several months of hiatus.  And due to distance from the city proper and the unbearable heat of the summer, we decided to dine at Café Voila, situated just at the main gate of the hotel.
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CROSSWINDS RESORT SUITES TAGAYTAY: THE ALPINE ESCAPE

It was a scenic route to quite a high elevation in Tagaytay City.  Isolated from the city center and major landmarks of Tagaytay, there sits a Swiss-inspired property that goes by the name of Crosswinds Resort Suites.

The hotel is situated at the center of this Swiss community.  Thus, before one can reach the hotel, we have to pass through the laidback and tranquil community that surrounds the 100-hectare vast property.

This is the quiet alpine escape that folks like us in the metro would call as heaven.  The scent of the pine trees without having to go north, like Baguio City, and the view of the rolling hills makes the hotel a perfect treat for a weekend.
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EARTHEAVEN: THE SILENT SANCTUARY IN SAN MATEO

There are three things one shall consider when visiting this silent sanctuary in San Mateo, Rizal:
1.  There is no mobile signal, much more internet connection.
2.  Alcoholic beverages and cigarette smoking is strictly prohibited.
3.  Spiritual growth will be enhanced after the stay.

On one weekend, we were lead to the mountainous estate in Brgy. Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines to discover a tranquil place yet filled with adventures.

Explore Experience, and Enjoy is the theme of this recreational resort.
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WORTH THE ROCK CLIMB AT THE ROCKIES OF MT. MACULOT

I miss the mountains.  I never did day hike my entire life.  Even on my university days when camping was my curriculum for PE on one semester, it has to be an overnight stay and I remember being in the lone group who brought spaghetti and cakes up in the mountains for a meal.  Wherever I am, I have to be pampered during travel.

But change is inevitable and routines are meant to deviate.  Through an invitation of my favorite travel buddies, I don’t know why I heeded the call and did the day hike.  It has been two years since I climbed a mountain in Batangas. And for most of the times after which, my travels focused on touristy routines and staycations.  My companions assured me it’s going to be a slow-paced “pabebe” climb – whatever that means – at Mt. Maculot of Batangas.
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THE SANTORINI-INSPIRED ESTANCIA RESORT HOTEL TAGAYTAY CITY

For two consecutive weekends in the cold December of 2015, I was in Tagaytay City, and that was for two separate special occasions, one for the wedding of my childhood friend and second, for a gathering of my closest travel buddies.

For both special occasions, the Estancia Resort Hotel served as my transient abode and a perfect sanctuary to bond with my childhood friends and travel buddies.

The Greek-inspired façade of the Estancia Resort Hotel situated along the main thoroughfare of Tagaytay City and enroute to the People’s Park makes it a good choice for an accommodation.   
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THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY AND THE WELL OF STA. LUCIA

Local children of ages 10 to 12 followed us all throughout as soon as we descended from the 125-granite steps of San Lorenzo Ruiz, which leads to the church of Our Lady of Caysasay.  They were seated on the benches at the front yard of the church as we gaze the yellow-painted façade of the church.

Candles were their main merchandise.  In a sudden shift of trade, they became instant storytellers.  All recited in Filipino, without too much blink of an eye, the legend of Our Lady of Caysasay was told.  As if memorized from a book, the storytelling was flawless and continuous.  Every detail uttered by these children were confirmed on my succeeding research.
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BASILICA OF SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS: THE LARGEST IN ASIA

Taal has always been associated to the lake and the smallest volcano.  Underrated and unknown to some, there is a small heritage town in Batangas which harbors the largest Catholic church in Asia.

On board a tricycle from Lemery, Batangas (PhP10.00 fare/head), we passed by a concrete narrow path of aligned colonial houses and from a distance, an imposing landmark peeks through a canopy of trees.  Situated atop a hill, the landmark is named after the town’s patron saint, Saint Martin de Tours, abridged as Taal Basilica.
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ancestral houses of balayan, batangas

Lechon is a given while in Balayan, Batangas.  However, a day after the Parada ng Lechon Festival, nothing has been left for public consumption.  And so we made our own heritage and food trip via a chartered tricycle (at PhP150.00).

Honestly, I had no insights of what Balayan, Batangas has to offer.  And that, only then through this trip did I realize that this heritage town unknown to many has a lot of secrets that needs to be divulged.
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As soon as we alight from a passenger jeepney coming from Lipa City, Batangas, it has been an hour since we entered a 24-hour convenience store at Lemery. Silence emanated on the road and there were no signs of any jeepney bound for Balayan, Batangas to pick us up at around four in the morning.  But the lady cashier affirmed with conviction that the first trip to Balayan, Batangas through a jeepney is at four. 

Then came the jeepney minutes after four of dawn. Together with friends Edgar, Doi and Ruby, we were the first passengers for this yet another day.  A not so ordinary day for the people of Balayan, Batangas.

The jeepney was occupied by wares and merchandise of varied sorts.  Peddlers of soy pudding (taho), ornamental plants, eggs and bird cages compete for space.  The 1-hour trip appeared like a moving market.

Passengers seem wary of time.  “We have to reach the city proper before sunrise”, declared by one as she summon the driver.  In a race against time, it was as if something urgent and deadly is about to happen if we don’t make it before sunrise.  And their main concern – to be drenched in water for the Parada ng Lechon Festival of Balayan, Batangas.  No one seems to be excused.
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First off, I won't set any expectations for you when planning to visit this summer destination.  There are three (3) things to consider before we proceed.


1.  Learn to get out of your comfort zone.  Try to explore and indulge on new sets of adventure.
2.  Don't blame bloggers who previously wrote about this destination, when you are disappointed and you're expectations were not reached, as each one's experience is unparalleled.
3.  This is a private property.  Lessen if not eradicate your complaints.  Your qualms should be kept to yourself unless a criminal act was inflicted against you.


So, are you ready to view this stunning and dramatic sunset?


If yes, then go pack your things and let's hit the beach!
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At the southern extremity of the province of Laguna lies this sleepy yet a promising town - LILIW.  The road to the town of Liliw is quite a treat as it is a long one which makes travelers think you are leading to nowhere.  Along the journey, the scenic view of the rural countryside of Laguna is a sight to behold sans the long and winding yet concrete pavements of the road.

Liliw sits at the foot of the famous Mount Banahaw, making the agricultural landscape a complementary backdrop of its quaint and mysterious streets.  In whatever time of the day, the warm community boasts of oscillating and vibrant street scenes.

For a day, Liliw can make you discover a lot of things and be at awe with the picturesque landscape it offers.


Travel Date:  April 27, 2013
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The quaint town of Liliw in the Southern Tagalog Region is dubbed as the Tsinelas (slipper) capital of the country. 

This is my festival! 

Indeed, this appearance of mine in the blogosphere would not be complete and convincing if this festival is not presented to all viewers.  Anyone who loves wearing slippers whether for fashion or for comfort, should be aware that a festival in honor of such is existing.  

I have searched for the said festival for so many years, and it is only this year that I come to discover it through the tourism ambassadors of FUNtastic Philippines.  I shall forever be grateful to them for this discovery and for making me believe that perfect strangers can be the best travel companions.  This experience shall definitely be remembered for a lifetime.
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Hailed as the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono is a small town in the Province of Rizal located 30 kilometers east of Manila is a haven for discovering the rich culture and the arts of the Filipino people.  

This is the hometown of two of our great National Artists, namely:  Lucio San Pedro for music and Carlos "Botong" Francisco for the arts.  On this trip, I am fortunate enough to have personally met Nemesio "Nemi" Miranda Jr., popularly known as "Nemiranda", a renowned sculptor and painter and a National Artist known for his outstanding works all over the Philippines.  Among his masterpieces is the bas-relief at the Edsa Shrine.

It was one lazy Sunday afternoon, when I decided to go with my friend who needs to visit her relatives in Angono.  It was past 4PM and without hesitation, I decided to go, without any expectations and planned itineraries.  Just for the cause of wandering

With only a few hours to spare, I've discovered a lot of things in this journey. 
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About The Author

I am a CPA-lawyer by profession and a full-time wanderer. My tsinelas (slippers) have been my constant companion in my quest to discover the world we live in. No matter which part of the world I am, though oftentimes mistaken of a different nationality, I am always proud to wear my slippers, a mark of a Filipino wanderer.

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