Relaxing Stay at 8 Suites Tagaytay

It was a busy work week for me and hubby and needed a quick get-away haven to relax and unwind.

So we got ourselves, what seemed to be a perfect deal from a group buying site and before we knew it: our bags were packed and we were dragging the kids off to 8 Suites by Fat Jimmy in Tagaytay.

Traffic was light and we reached our destination just in time for the 2pm check-in.  There were no visitors when we came in and for a moment it felt like being welcomed to our own vacation home (libre mangarap).

8 Suites is a bit far-off Tagaytay City proper. It is difficult to reach without your own transportation, which also meant it was heavenly peaceful and tranquil. 

 We were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful 8 Suites is. 

And its location overlooking Taal Lake was enough reason to choose this place and stay.

As the name suggests, this bed and breakfast place only has 8 rooms. There are 3 room types: deluxe, superior and premier. 
 
We were ushered to a deluxe room, with 2 queen sized bed that can fit 4 adults comfortably. 

Our room has a balcony that overlooks the majestic Taal Volcano ~ I would honestly not mind to just laze around and do nothing with this view.
  

Our deal came with breakfast, which we opted served at the dining area.   We can't say much about the food as they were just okay.  But that was forgivable, as we did not come here for the food anyway - It was no big deal.     

VERDICT:

• It is a bit costly, but the view is really breathtaking.  If you can get your hands on promos, don't think twice.

 

• The room we stayed in, is decent and clean. Aircon worked well and the water temperature and pressure were very good.

• Food is average. If you want decent meals, you can head to nearby restaurants 5-10 minutes away 8 Suites.  I highly recommend Morielli's and Red Lemon Grill.

• There are no hotel amenities. No recreational activities, game rooms, swimming pool or gym. You can, however, borrow DVDs from the reception area or lounge by the balcony.

We left 8 Suites refreshed and rested. 

We will definitely be back.

LOCATION:

Lot 7, Ridge View Subdivision,

Barangay Iruhin, Tagaytay City

 

Manila Office (T : 655-0194 / M: 0922-8753088)

Tagaytay Office (M: +63(922)874-4088)

Email: eightsuites@gmail.com

Viewsite Restaurant and Seafood Inihaw - Go the extra mile!

Looking for a place to eat in Tagaytay for lunch is hell ~ oh, especially if you are picky and want a table with a view! 

You would be lucky to get in and be served right away.  We had to drive a couple of miles outside Tagaytay's busy main highway, to finally find a decent (and not full) place to eat with a view.

AMBIANCE:  Laid back and rustic, like most of the restaurants in Tagaytay, with a very good view of the famous Lake Taal and Taal Volcano. 

Like most Tagaytay Restaurants they also have local entertainers, who were amazing in belting out fairly new English and Tagalog songs.  My youngest sang with them, when they started singing the Filipino hit song "Pusong Bato" and Bruno Mars' "Lazy Song" (hahaha, I was about to request for Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball").

FOOD:  We ordered, Inihaw Platter (Included grilled sugpo, tuna belly, grilled pork, talong ensalada), pansit and chopsuey.  The waiter gave us free bulalo soup (plus additional refill, hehehe!!!). 

PRICE:  Less expensive than Leslie's, RSM, and other main road Tagaytay Restaurant, but comparable in taste and quality.

(Oh need, I say more?)

 

VERDICT:  Obviously under rated!  

 

Go the extra mile and try out Viewsite Restaurant. You would enjoy the food, the entertainment and the free view.

 

 Recommended for families and balikbayans!

 

 

Viewsite Restaurant and Seafood Inihaw is located at Batangas Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City.

Ilog ni Maria Honey Bee Farm (road less travelled)!

I have read such good reviews of Ilog ni Maria from the internet. So, on our way home from our last Tagaytay trip, me and my boys decided to give this much reviewed stop over a visit.

 

It took us a while to find the place.  We had to stop for a couple a times and ask locals for directions (who similarly doesn't have a clue about what we are looking for).

 

 

When we finally saw the signage, we were led to an unpaved narrow (one-way) road.  It took us another 3-5 minutes to reach Ilog ni Maria.

 

 

We finally saw the farm entrance and a small shop, displaying the farm produce. 

 

I hurriedly took a small native shopping basket and began prowling the place for "pasalubong" and possible giftable items.  I got healing massage oils and propolis throat spray. 

 

My boys love night massages and Ilog Maria's massage oil were just perfect. 

 

Products and price, I think are comparable to other organic/eco-shops we have in Manila. I was expecting something extra (I think, this is a long way from home, after all.).

 

We were running a bit late and rain clouds seem readying a heavy downpour and had to cut our visit short.

Alas, we were  unable to tour the rest of the farm... that could have made the extra mile travel to Ilog ni Maria more worthwhile. 

Maybe next time!

For details on how to get to Ilog ni Maria, please follow this link.

Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay

 

We are frequent Tagaytay travelers, but this is the first time we have actually stayed at Taal Vista. 

 

We got a Premier room at the Lake Wing with a grand view of the Taal Lake. 

 

Reviews weren't exaggerating, when they said it is a long walk to the Lake Wing of the hotel, but it was well worth the extra walk. It was a cozy room with a balcony with Taal Volcano as the backdrop! 

 

A sip of a regular 3-in-1 coffee, almost tasted brewed (hahaha!) and expensive, while seated at the balcony! 

 

Who cares about the room, when you have this as your view?

 

 

Bed was comfortable, but not heavenly...



They could have done a lot better in terms of toiletries... Ace Suites were way better than this!
Also their towels are quite worn out and needed replacement.

Bathroom is 3 way - I am not a fan though! It has no door (I honestly thought it must have broken and instead of repairing management decided to just take it out :P)!

The shower, sink and toilet were separated only by smoked-glass doors.

RATING:

• LOCATION - Perfect
• SERVICE - AAA+++ Check-in  and check-out were a breeze, Staff were all very attentive and efficient!
• PRICE - On the expensive side
• ROOM - Average
• GROUNDS - The hotel grounds is expansive.  Garden is well manicured, picture perfect and overlooks Taal Volcano.
• AMENITIES - There is an outdoor pool, gym, kids' play room and activity/game room, however, these were all located on the old wing (it was quite a walk from where we were staying - it was really far!) of the hotel.  Never got to try any of them.
• FOOD - Just good.  I was expecting better :P

The location makes up for the little peeves. I don't mind staying again and paying a little extra just for the view, which was really breathtaking especially on a clear sunny morning.

 

Taal Vista Hotel is located at  Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Contact Number: +63 (2)917-8225 and +63 (46) 413-1000

Mothers' Day Treat at Kimberly Hotel Tagaytay

 

We were looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy Mothers' Day in Tagaytay and found just that in Kimberly Hotel.

 

The hotel is tucked some 3-4 minutes away Tagaytay's busy Aguinaldo highway. 

 

It is not crowded nor noisy, which means honest to goodness relaxation time for you and your family. 

 

We stayed in a premier room with 2 queen beds. 

 

Room is clean and lived up to our expectations. The free buffet breakfast was just okay for me, but my dad loved it and went back for more than his usual servings.

We were greeted by Mr. Crab.  My youngest was so thrilled to see it.  He got a little upset, when I told him I will be needing Mr. Crab in the bathroom soon.

The hotel has a pool.  The size was good enough, however, I was dismayed that it wasn't heated. 

The cold water ain't stopping my boys though!!!

There is a play ground at the back of the hotel. This kept my kids occupied for a full hour. 

Kimberly unlike most Tagaytay hotels has the luxury of space.  My kids enjoyed running around the well manicured lawn.

a better view of the play ground

There are so many things to do inside this hotel,  you need not leave the hotel to enjoy Tagaytay.  There is also a fitness and recreation center at the hotel's ground floor, which guests may use for free.

 

 

 

The hotels lobby is huge with high ceiling. 



with my boys and pretty balikbayan tita

 

We love Kimberly Hotel!

 

Hotel Kimberly TagaytayBrgy. Kaybagal, Amadeo Road
Tagaytay City, Philippines

Tel: (63-2) 521 1888
Fax: (63-2) 526 7270

Canyon Woods Resort Tagaytay Weekend

If you are looking for full proof family bonding time, I suggest you seek out Canyon Woods Resort in Tagaytay.

Minutes from entering the resorts, my boys were already out exploring the vast grounds of Canyon Woods. 

A short stroll from our lodging is the activity center.   A play ground, mini-golf, an outdoor pool, billiards, gym, bowling alley, duck feeding, boating and a fishing area  surrounds the resort's Pavilion where we had our breakfast. 

The kids wont leave the resort's play ground. 

 

 

My eldest enjoyed the mini golf... he won by 2 points (**wink**wink**)!

 

 

The pool water is cold, but that is not stopping my kids from dipping (bbbrrr!!!).

 

 

 

Now the duckies :D 

My youngest wants to take all of them home!

 

Dinner is at the Canyon Wood's Main Club House.

 

Unfortunately it was already late and it was too dark to appreciate the view.

 

 

   



Before heading to our room, we decided to give the billiards and bowling alley a visit.

Long day today, the kids had fun and enjoyed every minute of our stay at Canyon Woods.


Canyon Woods Resorts Club is located at Diokno Highway, Bgy. San Gregorio Laurel, Batangas. Contact Number 521-7878.

Calaruega Church Tagaytay

For the longest time, I have been wanting to go to Calaruega Church in Tagaytay. 

 I have heard so much of it's picturesque garden and chapel. The opportunity came last November when my family decided to go to Tagaytay for my weekend birthday. 

 We stayed at Canyon Woods Resort and as it turned out Calaruega is just a few more kilometers down South (or is it a few mountains and hills up South...?).

The view was simply breath taking. I was shooting pictures like a maniac... (really!)

 

Unfortunately, my husband said it was not as all good on his part, since he had to carry my youngest on his shoulder, going up the flight of stairs to reach the main chapel!

(my husband, preparing for the climb up)

 

 

It was amazingly beautiful... (close to God and close to nature).

Calaruega Church - Caleruega, The Transfiguration Chapel

Address: Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Mail: caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com

Contact Numbers: 0921-830-4226 0921-270-9890

Tagaytay for New Year!

Darn, I was expecting it too be alot colder here in Tagaytay! Brought thick japorms jacket pa naman... Anyway, air is still colder here than in Manila. So I guess this will just have to do. Will pray nalang that it gets colder later in the day.

This is the first time the family will be spending New Year out. Normally we just spend it at home. This year, I got a good deal for a 4 bedroom town house. Since it was quite big for us, I invited some cousins to tag along.

Left Manila past 8am and reached our destination at 10am. Trafic was a swift at SLEX,ar the type you wish for when you are running late for a meeting.

We freshened a bit and then braved the Tagaytay Mahogany market for additional ingredients we forgot to bring from Manila. I guess this 2010 will be better and more abundant than 2009, daming food sa lamesa. We had, Andoks chicken and liempo, binagoongan, relenong bangus, grilled fish, steak/t-bone, bbq, hotdogs, 2 types of pasta, refrigerator cake, cakes, fruit salad, ube, taco, various fruits, liquor, softdrinks, ham, marca de bola, etc. The refrigerator is so full, if we get stuck in Tagaytay for 2 weeks, I think we have more than enough food reserves.

Whether was finally cold outside at 6pm. The boys started grilling while the girls prepared the New Year feast! At 7pm, my cousin's Jose Cuervo made its way to the Lanai, followed by a bottle of red wine, Sangria and Baileys.

I must say that starting with the Cuervo was not such a good idea, since it was not even 10pm and everybody were already feeling a little dizzy (ok alot dizzy and zzzzleepy). So we rested the rest of the Cuervo bottle and shifted to the rhums and wines.

(usapang lasing na kami dito!)

I must admit though spending New Year in Tagaytay was way much more peaceful, compared to the non stop fire crackers in Manila that starts harassing my ear drums as soon as Dec 31st sets in. Which was good since one of the reasons for deciding to celebrate January 1 in Tagaytay is for an more "usok free" New Year.

We were up early January 1, kudos to my toddler who was up and wide awake as early as 5am. We had left over breakfast at 6am and was out on leisure walk at 7am. There were cows, carabaos, roosters, goat around; there were also plenty of vegetations. My kids had so much fun and they sure enjoyed the walk. The place we stayed at was like a farmville (hehehe), if I may borrow the title.

At 10am, we left for People's Park (which we did not enjoy, the P50 bucks entrance fee per head was not worth it). The place was dusty, crowded and old! Left soon after and found ourselves at the Tagaytay Viewsite restaurant; we ordered the ever famous Tagaytay bulalo (which so complemented the cold weather), sisig, Bicol express and fresh coconut juice. I could have posted the feast we had, but everyone was too busy eating to bother taking picture (oh well).

Before leaving Tagaytay, we went back to Mahogany market and bought some freshly picked vegetables and beef meat. With some rooms left in our cars, we made a stop at the Loumar's, for some buko crumble tarts.

Swell holiday weekend!