Taal Volcano Trip

*****Taal Volcano is a complex volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier, very powerful eruption. It is located about 50 km (31 Miles) from the capital, Manila. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, all part of the Pacific ring of fire.

Well, our journey started with two of my HS friends and my long-time boyfriend. We went to Tagaytay to chill out but was convinced by manong waving his hands along the road to do the boat trip.

And there we were, at the foot of the volcano but it did not end there. We're a bit upset as we were not informed about the extra charge for the horse back ride (aside form the P1500 boat charge) which will bring people to the top of the volcano. 

We paid 600 each for the ride but per the local people, they actually charge 1500 to foreigners which is of course not fair to their end. 

My guy friends and I were guided by the locals, one guide for each horse. It was a bumpy and high-low kind of ride. All of us felt body aches, thirst and hunger upon reaching the top. There were few stores who sell drinks and chips but beware of the prices, 100% mark up seems not right but I do understand  how hard it is to bring the goods there.

But then, it was all worth it!!!!!

The view, serenity of the water below, having friends with you to cherish and appreciate this spot is equal to perfection :)

Drag Me To Hell

Drag Me To Hell is a horror, thriller movie directed by Sam Raimi and written by Ivan Raimi and Sam himself. Some of his very own unforgettable movies are Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, The Quick and The Dead, The Grudge I and II, and Boogeyman. Drag Me To Hell stars Alison Lohmann of Beowulf and Justin Long of He's Just Not That Into You.

Watching Drag Me to Hell in the cinema made me quiver in shock and disgust... It's a bit hard to find horror movies that will scare you away... The sound effects were so intense so we recommend watching this in Cinemas with great sound system. This movie is grueling, hideous and brilliant with its dark comedic elements. The overall execution was outstanding. The ending was predictable but with it's twists and turns, you will be magnetized to watch this horror flick.

The last part was a bit cartoony though but for me, it's totally awesome! Two Thumbs Up!

Mischa in yellow

Mischa's jacket and shoes here rocks! Yellow matches her grayish top and skirt. Don't like those fringes but I'm wondering where we could find that jacket and shoes....

Mischa is one of those celebs with a short-lived career. She doesn't really have great projects right now but I like her so much so it doesn't matter.

Link: http://omg.yahoo.com/photos/mischas-on-the-fringe/2926#id=1

Sonya's Garden

We're starving to death already so after visiting Palace in the Sky and Picnic Grove, we started looking for a restaurant where we could eat. Our top choices were Josephine, Antonio's, Bag of Beans and Sonya's Garden. We have voted Sonya's Garden as we have read very great reviews regarding this restaurant.

It took us 30 to 45 minutes to find the place. It's quite a ride but we're excited as we don't know what to expect aside from the fact that we're very hungry already.

It's our first time. Upon arrival, we were guided by this woman in white uniform and blue pants. She was courteous and even put up an umbrella for us coz it's raining hard. She led us to this loft-type antique house. It's like, you're attending a wedding reception because the drapes, chairs, table sheets and curtains were all white. It is sooo perfect for lunch or dinner dates. A very sweet and romantic place for couples.

After a few minutes, another woman put down this bowl of vegetable salad with a variety of dressings. We don't have an idea on how it works so we have decided to ask. And so, it's a sit down style resto. Meals will be served one by one. We first had their Green Salad which was followed by the their freshly baked whole wheat sesame bread with an array of homemade dips and toppings: basil pesto, white cheese, anchovies, bruschetta tomato toppings, mushroom pate, black olive tapinade and fresh green peppercorn in olive oil. The bread has an exquisite taste. We then had our pasta which I topped with their chicken cream.

We of course enjoyed their chocolate cake and banana rolls. I like these two desserts more than the glazed sweet potato. The tarragon tea matches the dessert as it neutralizes everything. You should try this fine dining bed and breakfast restaurant. I am not really a vegetable lover but I truly appreciate this place. =)





** Vegetable Salad with freshly harvested lettuce and arugula topped with mango, broad beans, eggs, cucumber, jackfruit, pineapple, edible flowers in season, etc., drizzled with Sonya’s Secret Dressing or Balsamic Vinegar/extra virgin olive oil.**



** Pasta with two kinds of sauces and toppings: sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango. Topped with ratatouille, salmon belly, shitake mushrooms, black olives, capers and grated parmesan cheese, pepperoncini**


** Glazed sweet potato and banana rolls with sesame & jackfruit**

** Chocolate cake from Sonya's Garden Panaderia with Tarragon Tea**






We would definitely recommend Sonya's Garden. If you're interested, you may check their website:

Link: http://www.sonyasgarden.com/


Barangay Buck Estate,
Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines
(near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)
For reservations: call or text +63-9175329097 or +63-9175335140
Email us at: info@sonyasgarden.com

People's Park in the Sky

Well, officially, this would be my very first post. Quite excited here.... I just want to share our experience when we went to Tagaytay on my birthday. Not really on that very same date but it's somewhat a celebration given to me by my Von. We were with our high school BFFs by the way.

From the greater Manila, it is only a one and a half hour travel. But due to the constructions on the road, it took us like 2 and a half hours before we got there. It was raining pretty hard at that time but no big deal.

We first went to the famous Palace in the Sky which was built by Marcos in the 70's. It was not my first time though. I have been there when I was still in high school. I really can't recall how it looks like but I do remember that you can almost see everything when you get to the top. We parked our car and paid the entrance fee of I think P20.00. We don't want to climb our way up so we rode the jeepney waiting for passengers who don't feel like walking. Fare is P5.00 only.

I thought this place have been remodeled or renovated already but unfortunately, all I can see is ... Ruins.... My friends and I think that this would be a very nice and wonderful attraction for foreigners and for us Filipinos but it is just very disappointing coz our very own Department of Tourism doesn't mind this promising place. There is a garden with bridge, some cottages where families and friends can eat but that's it.

As for the rest of the place, you could compare it to an abandoned building that's really rusty and moldy. We stayed there for almost an hour, took photos, did some sightseeing and went immediately to Picnic Grove that is just a 10 minute drive from the Palace in the Sky.

Picnic Grove

Here we are... at the Picnic Grove. I think nothing has changed except for the Eco Trail, Ridge Zipline and Cable Cars. We did not try it coz the line's too long. I dunno if it's worth it. If you're interested, you may check their official website which is http://tagaytayzipline.com.

As for the rates, you may refer to the info below: For the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline, weekday rates is Php100 per person (1 Way Ride) and Php200 per person (2 Way Ride). Weekend and holiday rate is different though. For the 1 Way Ride, rate is Php200 per person while it is Php300 per person for the 2 Way Ride. If you are more fond of the safer way to ride and have fun, I would suggest the Cable Car Ride which has the same rates.

Just like the Palace in the Sky, the place has lots of cottages or gazebos. We rented one and paid P100 to the guy holding this receipt but I think the cottages are for free. Not really sure but they painted the posts with P150 so the visitors will know that they have to pay that amount. My bf asked if we can make tawad and pay P100. That guy agreed . He did not gave any receipt but he said that it's just fine. So what do you think? SOP or just a scam?

They also have these rooms or villas which you may rent. You may check....

Link: http://www.philtourism.com/ for more info.

Barangay Sungay East-End,
Tagaytay City Now Operated by Tagaytay City Government
New Contact Nos.
(046) 413-4206
(046) 413-0346

PTA Reservation
Office Rm. 520, 5/F, DOT Bldg.
T.M. Kalaw St.,
Ermita, Manila
Tel.Nos. (0632) 524-2495 / 524-2513 / 524-2502 / 524-7141 loc. 412
Fax No.:(0632) 525-6490
E-mail:sales@philtourism.gov.ph

The Beginning...

Hi everyone! Welcome me ;)

Basically, this blog will tackle everything related to the latest trends (fashion stuffs ♥), beautiful places, FOOD (oh yeah!)  and life as it is... Just some information and tinnie winnie posts for all audience =) Enjoy reading!