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