Our discussions mostly revolve around work nowadays.  Yapping about work in the car, over dinner or while at events.  We are too tired to even think of anything else aside from work.  On the side, I have to attend to a lot of responsibilities at home too.  After weeks of us both being overly worked at the office, Bubba suggested that we should take a day out just for the two of us.  He asked me to block my Sunday.

Sunday, I thought we were going malling, which other than last Sunday afternoon, we haven’t done in quite a while (months!).  You know, go to a mall, window shop, people watch, eat whatever.  It’s quite mundane but I was pretty excited about it.

He called me just about before he picked me up and told me to bring a jacket because we were going to Tagaytay.  I asked if he was serious because it was raining.  The drive was short and fun, singing (other people would categorize it as shouting) along with the iPod.  We arrived at 12nn in time for our lunch reservation at Buon Giorno.

The rain has stopped (the snow has passed nyuk nyuk).  Sitting comfortably at the Opium area, we studied Buon Giorno’s extensive menu.  Celebrity spotting: Geli de Belen and Ariel Rivera with family. 

On the Table:

Focaccia Bread (Free)

Zuppa di Zucca Arrosto (split into two) PHP 134

Thick and creamy roasted pumpkin soup complimented the cold weather.

Tini Vino (1 bottle)

Semi-sweet Spanish wine which is cheaper to order by the bottle than glass.  Joel, our table attendant, was kind enough to check the different wines available.  Other than the food, his accommodating attitude and earnestness make me want to go back that afternoon to snack on pizza. 

Pescatora alla Puttanesca PHP 286

An assortment of seafood on spicy and peppery tomato sauce served with linguini pasta.   

Carre de Agnello Con Salsa Al Vino Rasso PHP 554

Herb-crusted roasted rack of lamb with red wine sauce.  4 racks of lamb that was done medium well as arranged were cooked perfectly.  The mashed potato that was served with it can use a little pepper but we were very happy with the lamb.

 

Halfway through our meal, we had to transfer inside the restaurant because it started raining.  The direction of the rain was towards the veranda.  After our lovely Sunday lunch, we stopped for Quezo ice cream the Fruit in Ice Cream shop next door.  FIC serves the best quezo ice cream in Manila and Tagaytay.

Sonya’s Pampering Salon

I’ve visited Sonya’s Garden Restaurant a few times already but never tried any of their spa services.  I’ve read one review about it online.  Their services range from facials to body scrubs to full body massages.  I conservatively decided to get the Swedish massage (PHP 675) while Bubba had the Tuina (Chinese) massage (PHP785).  The couple’s room is an extra PHP100 for the hour.  Additional charges apply for additional stay.

The couple’s room is about 20 sqm with two beds and a shower.  Bubba had a male masseuse this time, Fernan.  The hour felt short.  I guess we’re used to 1 hr 30 mins to 2-hour massages.  Bubba was very much happy with his masseuse.  Fernan didn’t apply force but he knew which target points to hit.  Tuina was more on point pressure and Fernan applied it to the right spots and new spots according to Bubba.

While drinking the tea served at the receiving area, we saw familiar faces.  Carlo and Mika of Ahavia!  Bubba finds those two really cute and sweet.

Sonya’s Garden Restaurant and Country Bed and Breakfast is located at Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite 4123, Cavite Philippines.  Contact them at 09175335140/09285073300.

Manos Greek Tavern

After our massage, we were hungry again so we decided to get a little snack before heading to Manila.  We tried to look for Sanctuario Tagaytay that was supposed to be near 7-11, but we didn’t find it.  After passing by, Mile Hi Diner, Bag of Beans and Manos Greek Tavern, the car made a u-turn and stopped at Manos, where we had lamb gyro PHP110 and baked macaroni PHP 160. 

We reached Manila by 7pm and heard Mass in Magallanes, St. Alphonsus Church.  After mass, we decided to stop by Greenbelt to watch a movie and grab dinner.  Since the movie schedule starts at 930-950 for the Mummy, we decided to go home and watch it instead the next day.  At Greenbelt, we saw Tee Dee with a new boyfriend and she looks happy.  And we are happy for her.  God has blessed me and Chris with this relationship we’ve always prayed for and our hearts wish the same for everyone.

Link: http://www.sonyasgarden.com

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/536/08_0803-_Buon_Giorno_Tagaytay

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/537/08_0803-_Sonyas_Pampering_Salon

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/538/08_0803-_Manos_Greek_Tavern

Saturday night, at the end of a long hard week at work, this little bird really needed some relief from stress and fatigue.  I found it at Ahavia Lounge Spa, the newest spa in the city that’s already making some noise as early as its 3^rd month of operation.

My very first visit at Ahavia was their first night of dry run.  Barely 2 months and I can see a huge jump on improvement from the opening night.   

A meter away from the door and I can already smell the minty scent that reminded of the first night we met the owner Carlos Benavides.  The 2^nd time I was here at almost 12mn (right after the URCC XII Supremacy event), the place was packed!  My lumbering body was too spent to wait in line so I had to take a rain check. 

This Saturday like the past 4-5 weekends had a tight schedule starting with a 9am 2-hour dental appointment, a lunch at Dampa Macapagal with my Sabi friends and a High School Musical on Ice with my family at 430pm.  The day’s schedule did not end there as we had to attend a despedida party of CW’s friend from Xavier at 10pm.  Since we had 2 hours to spare, we decided to drop by Ahavia to relax our mind.  One thing I really love about Ahavia is their operating hours, which is daily from 11am to as late as 3am.  Since I live nearby, it is so easy for me to drop by Chiva Som, Clark Hatch or Neo Spa when I need my massage fix, but since they close at 10pm I have nowhere to run to when my schedule only allows me an almost midnight break.   

CW stopped me right before the door and asked me to breathe deeply.  And breathe out all the stress before entering what we render as our hopeful sanctuary.  He gave me a big hug.  The third time I stepped into this body and wellness abyss, I was expecting to see the vibrant Mika by the reception.  Instead it was a middle-aged woman who was in the same breath as the vibrancy of Mika.  It turns out that it was her mother who was managing the counter.  After looking at their informative menu of select services, we picked our choice of massage.  I was inclined to get another body scrub since I felt my skin recalling the scent of the sweet ginger scrub I had last time.  After some musing, we both decided to get the signature massage. 

Either the buzz is really reaching the market or my lucky wing stroked 3 new guests in.  While waiting for our turn, Carlos filled me in on the expansion that they are doing following the early success of Ahavia.  Ahavia Lounge Spa is the brainchild of Carlos and Mika, whose love for body and wellness transformed to a joint venture in the spa industry. 

Finally, it was time for our massage.  Halfway through it, I fell asleep as my mind escaped to blissful dimension. The description of the Signature Massage is a 2-hour service that combines Western blend and Oriental ritual giving you a total body experience.  It kept that promise.  The masseuse used an essential oil that enriched and enhanced the experience. 

Try out the Ahavia experience with their reasonably priced offerings.  Dessert Essences and Organic Body Spa, which is a 1 hr 30 min body scrub includes a soothing and moisturizing body massage.  An array of sweet choices from Botanical Strawberry Scrub, Sweet Chocolate Body Polish, and The Organic Coffee Experience costs only PHP 599.  Silky Milky Aroma Glow is priced at PHP699.  The Oriental Ginger Scrub and Anti-stress Aroma Glow is at PHP 799 each.

Resist if you can on the PHP 199/hr deals.  Choose from the following spa services:  point pressure massage, reviving peppermint hair therapy, that minty feeling hair remedy, hands and feet treatments…. There are also express spa treatments for as low as PHP 99.00.  Wi-fi connection is also available. 

Book an appointment at 744-0343 or 0922-8055600.  Ahavia Lounge Spa is located at 173 Wilson Street corner Barcelona St.  Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.  Coming from Shaw Blvd going to Wilson, Ahavia is in your left side (3 blocks before you hit the corner of Wilson and P. Guevarra Streets) 

(Source: http://www.nurture.com.ph/index.php)

One of the pioneers in the Philippine spa industry, Nurture Spa is a Dept of Tourism accredited spa chain. Nurture Spa is located in Tagaytay City , with branches in CWC Watersports Complex, Camarines Sur, Buri Resort & Spa in Puerto Galera, and Nurture Spa in Abe’s Farm, Magalang, Pampanga.

Proudly Filipino, Nurture Spa offers its guests exquisite spa and wellness experiences in selected tropical destinations around the country. Each wellness destination boasts of a unique Nurture Spa treatment reflecting the indigenous customs and healing traditions of the region, in addition to tried and tested Nurture Spa favorites.

Nurture Spa therapists, selected on the basis of their healing attitude, are trained to the highest standards by internationally licensed trainers. Its signature massage oils are of the finest quality, created from age-old healing recipes that have been further perfected to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

With spa therapies inspired by Asian and Filipino healing traditions, Nurture Spa was created to provide its guests with the Nurture Spa Experience: a blissful combination of healing and pampering at its best. 

October 20, 2007.

 

Very relaxed right after a massage.

Ifugao Hut Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,240

–Naturally ventilated 

Serenity Cottage Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,800

–Air-conditioned  

Book your reservation at 8392196/09175518723.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268/07_1020-_Nurture_Spa   

There is a newly opened wellness spa along Wilson St going to Shaw.  It had its soft opening on April 20 and we were there on their second night of operation.

April 21.  We had dinner first at Mickey’s Deli along Jupiter Street before trooping to the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Premiere at the A-Venue.  The trade event ended past 10pm but it was really fun to watch Pokwang, who was supporting an Eiffel tower headpiece.  Her comedy made me forget the time. 

On our way home, we saw the Ahavia signage finally lit up.  I suddenly had the urge to treat CW for a massage even if it’s only a Monday night.  The guard assisted us through parking inside the unpaved ground.  One of the owners welcomed us and showed us inside where we met the two other partners at the reception area.  It’s close to 11pm but they were still very chirpy.  The spa is actually a house (by one of the owners, I think he said his name was JP) converted to low-lighted wellness center. I wanted to get a full body massage but the girl owner suggested that I get a body scrub (I must have looked like I didn’t take a bath that morning) since it has also a massage technique to it so I conceded to get one.  CW on the other hand got a 2-hr massage. 

Ginger Body Scrub PHP 799

Being only on 2^nd day of operation, naturally there’d be kinks and the owners gracefully admitted to this.  The shower heater didn’t work immediately.  After the body scrub, I had to walk (shaking) through a cold room to the shower to rinse off, which is new to me because when I get a body scrub from other spas, the “staff” usually rinses me off in the same room.  They rinse off the scrub, I don’t.  Not that I want to be a Cleopatra, but I actually paid for a service. The ginger scrub smelled nice and expensive and it soothed my tired mind.  I love the supple feeling it left on my skin too.  I took a bath the next day (do not contest, I did!) and I still smelled a hint of the scrub, which gave me a refreshed feeling throughout the day. 

Full Body Massage PHP 599

CW was ok with the massage (he fell asleep) but suggested it could be harder.  The masseuse’ “hardest” was still weak.   The review is too general because they didn’t have a brochure yet that I could take home.  I cannot describe more the different types of scrubs they have or further details other than the actual experience.  I wasn’t able to take notes either since my body goes to safe mode and was ready to rest at 11pm.   We plan to visit Ahavia and give it a try again within this month or probably after the Hong Kong trip on the first weekend of June.      

It was a Saturday of nonstop eating, as how most of our weekends go, whether in town or out.  Bubba surprised me with a lunch date in Tagaytay.  My mind started wandering off, guessing where it was going to be. 

Flavors of Spain

We came to the parking lot of then newly renovated Taal Vista Hotel.  If I tried my darn hardest, I still wouldn’t be able to guess since it was a nomadic food event traveling from Tagaytay to as far as the Pearl Farm in Davao.  This Spanish Food Festival was held in all Fuego-managed properties, Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Batangas.  The event brought to us by the Spanish Embassy and Allied Domecq.

 

We had a taste of the different flavors of Spain, the destination where Magellan looted our spices.  Master Chef Mikel Arriet Arruiz from the Basque region of Spain was flown in the country to bring in exceptional cuisine and delightful food.

The usual favorites were gleaming in the buffet table.  Included are seafood paella, callos, bacalao, gazpacho, roasted lamb, garlic shrimps and ensalada.  I noted that the selection was not as many as I expected.  There was also a range of tapas.  The dessert section however was surprisingly Pinoy with a variety of rice cakes, but they also had chocolate and strawberry tarts.

There was a presentation of different Spanish and Pinoy cultural dances.  I was particularly entertained with the fire-eating performance.

As how all buffet goes, we stuffed our faces until we were as huge as hippo faces.  There was an impressive magic show on the side for the kids.  The kids were too smart for the clowns –it was a pity.  Before taking coffee, we went to the Ridge of the hotel and took in the scenery of Tagaytay. 

Nurture Spa

After lunch, we drove around Tagaytay and looked at the different restaurants situated at the hill.  Bubba then took a turn at a small side street going to the more residential area of Yagatyat.  A few more corners and we hit Nurture Spa, which was part of Bubba’s weekend plan.  (A separate post on this!) 

Taaleña

After our relaxing massage, we decided to eat again.  This time I treated him at Taaleña so he can try out the crispy tawilis there.  We ordered that and rice!  Haha.  This was only about 2 hours after our lunch at Taal Vista. 

Bag of Beans

 

Still unsettled over what we ate, we trooped to Bag of Beans –a small coffee sanctuary on the hills of Tagaytay.  Quietly nestling along the main highway in Tagaytay.  A staircase leads you to a beautiful garden and their restaurant.  The Tagaytay ambience fits perfectly with Bag of Beans’ for the vibe the interior gives is charming, sophisticated and intimate. 

The cheesecake of Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted, which had two layers: not overly sweet whipped cream and a creamy and wonderful cheesecake filling.  The cheesecake flavor wasn’t subtle at all but it wasn’t overwhelming as well.  It had the right consistency of cream and cheese.  The graham crust was not too starchy. The softness was enough to blend with the cheesecake bite.  The thickest sweet blueberry topping spooned over the top made every bite perfect.

We wanted to try the coffee alamid but unfortunately they stopped serving it a year ago, so we settled for the hot chocolate which was a great partner to the heavenly cheesecake. 

 

  

 

Flavors of Spain Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/267

Nurture Spa Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268

Bag of Beans Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/260

March 31, 2007. My first all Vegan lunch occurred at the famous Farm of San Benito in Batangas. 85% of the food served in their Vegan restaurant is actually raw (read: not cooked). They use several methods of blending, soaking, dehydration and culturing in preparing the veggie dishes in order to keep as much of the enzymes as possible. The lunch felt so enriching because even if I ate 3-4 plateful of salads and different entrées, I felt so light afterwards. For some reason, it was an internal body-cleansing feeling.

We chose to have our lunch at the open-air veranda amidst the tall trees and pseudo-jungle. Fresh food and fresh air go hand in hand as we completely felt a surge of natural energy while chomping away the greens. We were served four kinds of dishes with buffet trip to their salad bar. I remember the opener as my favorite Segafredo appetizer –Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil drizzled with olive oil. The Farm’s version is less salty and fresh.

The Farm at San Benito, a 6-year old facility in the city of Lipa, was awarded as the Best Retreat and Best Holistic Healing Program by regional publication of Spa Asia. The Farm deserved that award in it’s entirety because it is a retreat where one can breathe freely, the eyes satisfied with relaxing colors of abundantly green and tasty healthy food that cleanses the body and mind.

After lunch, we took a stroll around the huge multiple hectare land. We took a dip at their mini-waterfall pool and enjoyed our privacy since there were only the two of us.

They offer different kinds of rooms that ranges from USD 98.00 ++ to USD 750.00 ++. The Anahaw Terrace is the one that I particularly liked. The room rate is USD 175.00.

Even if it was a short visit, I felt a surge of new energy as my body restored balance and vitality through a short stay at The Farm at San Benito.

The Farm at San Benito

Office Address: G/F, Shop 10, The Peninsula Manila Ayala Ave., Makati City

Resort Address: 119 Baranggay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.

Tel No: 884.8074

Info@thefarm.com.ph

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/189/07_0331-_The_Farm_at_San_Benito