DISCOVERING TRANQUILITY : PADYOK CAFE IN PAKIL, LAGUNA

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Pakil, Laguna, lies a hidden gem that promises not only a gastronomic delight but also a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Padyok Cafe, a quaint establishment that combines nature's beauty with culinary excellence, invites visitors to a unique and immersive experience.

Glimpse into Pakil, Laguna

Before we dive into the wonders of Padyok Cafe, let's take a moment to appreciate the charm of its surroundings. Pakil is a town in the province of Laguna, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. It is home to the well-preserved St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, a National Cultural Treasure, and the vibrant Turumba Festival, a celebration of music and dance in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The Enchanting Ambiance

As you step into Padyok Cafe, you're greeted by an ambiance that seamlessly blends nature with artisty. The open-air seating arrangement allows guests to bask in the gentle embrance of fresh air while being surrounded by greenery.  The choice of native materials in the decor further emphasizes the connection with the natural environment, giving the cafe a warm and inviting feel.

Beyond Culinary Delights

Padyok Cafe is more than just a place to savor delicious food. It is also a hub for cultural appreciation and artistic expression. The cafe hosts occasional events featuring local artists, musicians, and artisans, creating a vibrant space for the community to come together and celebrate their talents.

I am delighted to share this moment when I, alongside members and leaders of the Rotary Club of Pakil had an opportunity to enjoy a memorable dinner at this Cafe. The evening was a perfect blend of camaraderie and great food. The warm ambiance, delectable dishes, and music offers a unique experience, leaving an impression on all of us. It was a testament to the power of community and the joy that comes from coming together in such a picturesque setting.

Why Igorots in Metro Manila directly source goods from farmers

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber.

After spending money to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest. 

A Sad Story for New-Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses. 

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented. 

Trying the Metro Manila Market 

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook. 

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20. 

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle-men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo-- as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping. 

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.

To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.

Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant : A Blast from the Past

If you are looking for a place to eat if you are going to Laiya, Batangas, I recommend Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant located in San Juan, Batangas.

We were on our way to Laiya for our "Huling Hirit sa Tag-Init 2019" summer family outing and we decided to eat here for breakfast. Walang masyadong tao when we arrived at around 8am, and we felt like we rented the entire place.

The Ambiance

The  Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant lets you experience an extraordinary urban escape and would bring you back to the old days. 

Naalala tuloy namin yung luma naming bahay sa Quezon City. Nagbalik tanaw kami nuong panahong lagi kaming nag aabang sa bintana sa pagdating ni Nanay. Yung capiz sa bintana, yung kahoy na sahig at higit sa lahat yung hagdan.

And the best part, halos lahat ng kanto rito is IG worthy. 

The Food
With its distinctly Filipino features, syempre lutong Pinoy din ang aasahan natin. We ordered Silog meals with Kapeng Barako for breakfast. The food is just alright for an average of 120 to 150 pesos per meal.

They offer the following for breakfast : 

Pork Tocino with egg

Longanissa with egg

Bacon with egg

Hotdog with egg

Beef Tapa with egg

Dried Fish with egg

Daing na Bangus with egg

Ham with egg

The Hotel
The Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant offers accommodations with the following amenities: Spa and Wellness, Beauty Salon, Private Room for Karaoke, Coffee and Tea Bar, Swimming Pool and Gym.

About Old San Juan Hotel and Restaurant

Address : Javier St., San Juan, Batangas

Phone : (043) 5755400

Website : http://oldsanjuan-hotel.com/ 

Sulit ba? YES. Sulit naman na considering the price for breakfast sa isang themed restaurant. I heard na masarap and best seller din ang sisig nila.

Sa akimg muling pagbalik, paghahandaan ko na talaga ang OOTD ko.

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant : Lamian Nga Imo Gyud Balikan

A trip to Davao would not be complete without sampling their seafood, particularly their tuna. Thank you to our gracious host Mr. Boy Angeles for inviting our team for dinner at Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant.

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant is strategically located at Quimpo Boulevard, Matina, Davao City. You can find great selections of seafood here cooked in different Filipino style dishes. 

The Place

Just 2 minutes walk from Viajeros Inn, you can already have a taste of Davao on a plate. You will be welcomed with a  karendirya /cafeteria-style dining, take more steps and you can see their separate air-conditioned dining area for customers who preferred that restaurant feel.

The restaurant also features a photo gallery of "Old Davao" which adds to that "mala-museum appeal". Yellow Fin is indeed a pride of Davao.

The Food

For starters, we had imbao soup - a clear clam soup with ginger and lemongrass. It's light and refreshing and a perfect starter for a seafood main dish. A clam soup for the soul.

If you love seafood, then the seafood platter is perfect for you. The plate is filled with an assortment of seafood, such as Tuna Belly, Pusit, Shell fish and the famous "Bagaybay" (a local term for fish sperm....wahhh!) smothered in garlicky buttery goodness that melts in your mouth.

The sizzling meat platter is also to die for. Filled with beef, pork, chicken bathed in that special gravy sauce. Sauce palang ulam na!

Another best-seller is their Tuna Buntot. The locals loves that "litid" part of the tuna buntot. Pero hinay hinay din sa pagkain, it's more on the fatty side and like eating that crispy pata litid.

They also offer a variety of fresh fruits shakes too. We had durian, pomelo, apple, cucumber and mango shakes.

Daghang Salamat Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant. Lamian Nga Imo Gyud Balikan!

ABOUT YELLOW FIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant is a family-owned business based in Davao City, Philippines.

Serving a wide variety of fresh seafood and Filipino dishes and is now noted by many as the pride of Davao City.

Yellow Fin, Deliciously Davao!

www.yellowfinseafoodrestaurant.com 

Yellow Fin - Ecoland branch

Address: Sandawa Plaza, Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland, Davao City
Telephone: (+6382) 297-8777, (+6382) 298-0299
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2pm; 5pm-9:30pm; Sunday-Closed

Yellow Fin - Torres branch
Address: F. Torres St., Prime Square II, Davao City
Telephone: (+6382) 222-0338
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2pm; 5pm-9:30pm

Yellow Fin - Jetti Lanang branch
Address: JP Laurel Ave., Davao City (Fronting SM Lanang Premier)
Telephone: (+6382) 234-4255
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2pm; 5pm-9:30pm

Yellow Fin - Phoenix Lanang branch (near Grand Regal Hotel)

5 Ways on How to Have a Memorable Dining Experience at K-Pub BBQ All You Can

K-Pop ba ang trip mo?

Yes I love watching K-Dramas but at my age, I am not really into this K-Pop genre, but my kids do. As in super! BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, EXO, BTS and GOT7 to name a few. I've been hearing them singing GOT7's "Just Right" for like a thousand times already. Every line, every word, every ohohoo! ohooohooohooo!, every nanananana...... is not just music to their ears but in their hearts as well.

So giving into their heart's desire, we had our lunch at K Pub BBQ : Meat all you can in Trinoma to celebrate my husbands' birthday. For 599 pesos per head on a weekend and holiday or 499 pesos on a weekday, you can order as many types of meat as you can.

Sulit o Hindi, that is the question. For me, it's "sulit" because aside from the delicious meals and our full tummies after dining, we were able to have a memorable dining experience.  

How did we do that? Here's how:

1. Sing your heart out  while watching music videos of your favorite K-Pop Group

If your tweener is into K-Pop, I am sure they will sing their hearts out singing Never Ever, As If It's Your Last and Blood Sweat and Tears. They might even dance to the beat!

2. Make them part of your celebration.

Inform the staff that you are celebrating something. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, promotion or anything that is worth celebrating for. Let the K-Pub crew serenade you with their very entertaining song and dance number to the tune of Saengil Chukha Hamnida (Happy Birthday To You!). We really enjoyed their performance, it was really fun. You can see in their eyes that they are also really having fun performing and entertaining their guests.

Watch our video below:  

3. Avail of their Eat and Run: Unlimited Refill for 1-hour Promo

The Eat & Run (Beat the Clock) Package of K-Pub I guess is the most practical of all the packages they are offering. For 499 pesos, you can experience meat-all-you-can with unlimited servings of their 7 signature meat dishes (Samgyeopsal, Galbi and Bulgogi style dishes - Beef Sukiyaki, Pork Belly, Korean Style Bacon ( which is our favorite), Marinated Pork Belly in Sweet and Spicy Sauce, Marinated Pork Chop (my hubby's choice), Marinated Chicken in Sweet and Spicy Sauce, and Marinated Chicken in Sweet Soy Sauce.

It also comes with steamed egg, kimchi-pajeo, steamed rice and kimchi fried rice, soup, house salad (which I also love), pizza, rice punch for dessert. It was a gastronomic experience for all us. 

4. Allow their staff to take photos of you, greet you on their 360 degrees video wall, and post on their FB page

K-Pub has a dedicated staff that acts as customer service representative that will interview guests, ask them if they are celebrating something, take their photos and greet them on their 360 degrees video wall. Of course they will ask permission from you first if you will allow them to post on their official FB page. Just say yes!

5. Simply enjoy dining with your loved ones.

Bring your family, friends, officemates and loved ones. Bata or matanda, K-Pop / K-Drama fan or not,  they will surely enjoy the dishes and the ambiance of the place. Oh and don't forget to avail your free Korean ice-cream after paying the bills.

K Pub BBQ Trinoma
Garden Restaurants Level 3
Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
0917-5558858
www.kpubbbq.com
Hours : 11:00 am - 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Hugot Pa More at Hugot Cafe Lipa

In this era of the "hugot generation", they are always in the look out for a place where they could do their personal hugot. They need a channel where they can unleash or express their emotions and feelings.  These channels can be any of the following : social media, blog, vlog, memes, journals, letters and now even on food!

Yes! Food, you read it right!

Few weeks ago, my husband and I visited Hugot Cafe Lipa . I've been wanting to visit this cafe because I've heard so many things about the concept of this cafe. And I want to experience it myself.

Hugot Lines or Hugot sa bulsa?

What makes this cafe extra-ordinary is that no one will judge you in case you just wanted to express your emotions that day. Whether you are heart broken, longing for someone, can't move on from a break up, or maybe you are in love with someone else. 

You can write your feelings on their #HugotWall. Reading some of the messages, I've noticed that there were a lot of customers of this cafe who were broken-hearted. Ang Sakit mga beshies!

Sakit mga beshies! Daming broken hearted dito.

My husband ordered the "Mag-Un" Angus burger for 120 pesos, while my choice is the "Inbox seen-zoned" Clubhouse sandwich for 115 pesos. Although the name of the sandwich has nothing to do with our emotions that day, we were happy that we made the right choice. I super love the tuna spread in my clubhouse which is sweet, it perfectly blends with the ham and scrambled eggs. Oh wow! Making the right choice, sounds hugot to me!

Inbox seen-zoned sandwich

Mag-Un Sandwich

Once your order is ready, it will not be served to you right away. The staff will call your name at the counter and will entertain you first with some witty and hugot lines. Ang tamaan sapol!

Watch the video below and see for yourself.

The interiors, doors, walls, and even the ceiling puns will hit you on the spot. And I'm sure sa dami ng mga patama dun, may tatama at tatama sa yo bes!

Gusto nyo rin bang mag emo? Then check out the Hugot Cafe branches nearest you.

Hugot Cafe Branches : Manila, Batangas, Fairview, Las Piñas, Malabon and Parañaque.

ABOUT HUGOT CAFE LIPA

Unit 4A, Casa Villa Lourdes, 

Mataas na Lupa

Lipa City

JongLo Korean Restaurant : A Taste of Korea in Malate

annyeonghaseyo!

You don't need to go to South Korea to taste authentic Korean food and experience how it feels like wearing a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress characterized by vibrant colors. 

Just last weekend, we had a taste of Korea in a restaurant called Jonglo Korean Restaurant, which is one of the many Korean restaurants you can find along Malate. The place is also surrounded by other Korean restaurants, cafes and groceries which you can actually feel that you are transported in another country just by walking along the streets.

Jonglo Korean Restaurant in Malate

But what makes this restaurant really exceptional is that you can dress up and wear those colorful Hanbok which you can find on the second floor of the restaurant. There were a lot to choose from so you can bring out that "fashionista" in you. We really had fun dressing up especially if you are a K Drama fan and "nilamon na ng sistema ng Korean Drama", I really recommend you to try this restaurant.

Picture Picture muna ng #FamiliaGanaLakwatser 

Bawal kumain kapag suot ang Hanbok, pictorial lang eto.

Another "pop na pop" thing about this restaurant is the food. The food was really great and filing. We love the Japchae, Bulgogi and Ramyeong. It is also very affordable. But unlike other Korean buffet where you will be the one to grill your samgyeopsal, they will be the one to prepare it which is not a big deal for me.

The place is small and can be crowded during dinner. We were just lucky that we went there at 11am and no guests yet so we were able to maximize our time in dressing up. 

See those shoes?

Here are more JLofied tips before you go

1. Be early. I suggest go there for early lunch.

2. Dress up first and have your photo shoot while waiting for the food you ordered. 

3. You are not allowed to eat while wearing your Hanbok, pang pictorial purposes lang talaga.

4. You have to reach  P350 per person to use the Handbok for free. 

5. You will be asked to leave your shoes, so make sure that hygiene is considered, para walang "paa-moy" :-)

About Jonglo Korean Restaurant

Address : 1734 Jeorge Bacobo St., Malate, Metro Manila
Phone : (02) 525-7430
Open 24 hours

Kamsahamnida!

Cintai Corito's Garden : A Balinese-Inspired Haven in Batangas

If budget is a problem for you to be able to tick - off that "Vacation in Indonesia" on your bucket list, then wait no more. You don't need to go to Indonesia to experience Bali, all you need to do is visit Cintai Corito's Garden in Brgy Balete, Batangas.

Cintai (pronounced as "Chin-Tai") is a two-hour drive away from Manila. It is a perfect way to unwind, relax and meditate. Feel revitalized instantly as you walk into the manicured and lush garden of Cintai.

Lifestyle in the city is adding stress in our lives which may weaken our health and well-being. Traffic, pollution and "crime" makes you just wanted to disappear and transport to another world. And that is the reason why husband and I took a day off from the city and head to this vast garden in Batangas.

We were really amazed on the tranquility of the place and how it is a perfect backdrop in your next Facebook cover page. Yes, nag-photoshoot kami!

Bali is known as Island of the Gods that is why statues of different Gods can be seen around the garden. 

We had our buffet lunch at the Tresna Pavilion which is one of the three pavilions in the garden. It can accommodate 180-200 guests and is a perfect venue for corporate events and social functions. During our visit we had Sinigang na Baboy, Fried Lumpia, Ginataang Sitaw and Kalabasa with Shrimps, Bangus Belly, Beef Stroganoff, Roast Porkloin, Grilled Chicken, and fruits in season and assorted kakanin for dessert. The food was great and we are giving it a 4-star rating. 

There is no entrance fee as long as you will avail the Weekend Lunch Buffet package for 600 pesos. You can avail the Weekend Lunch Buffet every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm with access to all pictorial sites.

Day Trip in Paradise 
with welcome drinks, set lunch, PM snacks, use of open cottage and access to all facilities 
Adults : Php 1,850 
Kids 4 to 12 years old : Php 880 

Family Fun Time
overnight stay in a Terrace Villa with welcome drinks, dinner and breakfast (good for 4 persons)
Sun-Thurs : Php 10,000
Fri-Sat & Holidays Php 11,550

Cintai Corito's Garden offers eighteen Luxury villas with Bali-inspired designs and elegantly-carved accents where guests can relax and be energized. The accommodations are furnished with air-conditioning, a mini bar, bathroom, and terrace while select lodgings have jacuzzi and pocket garden.

Getting there

You can book the Bali-Inspired Batangas Day Tour at your trusted travel and tour agencies like RedMark Travel and Tours. The tour also includes side-trip to Marian Orchard, Shercon Resort, and Honey Bee Farm.

If driving, follow the directions below:
From Manila, take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Alabang-Calamba-Sto Tomas Expressway (ACTEX) until it connects to STAR Tollway. Drive 17 kms to Balete Exit. From the toll gate, turn right to Gen. Leviste Highway. Drive approximately 4 kms until you see Cintai Corito's Garden on the left.

So if you are still dreaming of Bali but can't affor it yet, then visit Cintai Corito's Garden.

For more information, visit their official website at www.coritosgarden.com 

Thank you for reading this far.

- JLo

Cavite's Most Kept Secret

A typical Tagaytay and Cavite Tour would only leads you to hotels and restaurants overlooking Taal Volcano and Taal Lake along  Aguinaldo Highway . But we took a turn to the nearby Indang and Silang Cavite for an ultimate experience. If you are looking for the perfect hideout to rest and escape from the busy City life, you better  check this out.

Balay Indang

"Balay Indang is a garden refuge comfortably located in Indang, Cavite. The wide, expansive gardens are filled with some of the finest flowering plants, trees and cacti making them some of the most relaxing and beautiful settings you could ever imagine. Our sanctuary boast of a variety of amenities including a large, well-maintained swimming pool, a luxurious and airy pool-side pavilion with billiards, mahjong and a collection of classic board games, a fishing pond with Red Kingfish Tilapia where you and your family can enjoy hours of fishing, and a well-stocked kitchen and restaurant specializing in local and foreign home-cooked meals. "

Feels like your home away from home. It has a homey feel with a relaxing eclectic atmosphere.   Perfect for family reunions, team buildings, or just simply relax and enjoy the sanctuary.

Overnight stay includes 3 full board meals, 2 snacks, air-conditioned room, free amenities (swimming pool, billiard, bare foot walk, game boards)

2,500 / head (for a group of 3 pax up)

3,200 / head  (at least 2 pax)

3,900 / head (1 pax)

Daytrip packages :

Lunch – 550 / pax

Dinner – 650 / pax

1 snack – 75 / pax

Swimming – 100 / pax

How to get there :

From Tagaytay Rotonda, go straight past Taal Vista. Turn right at the corner of SaveMore and go straight down the road to Mendez until you hit a dead intersection ( it’s a super looong road). Turn right and follow the road to about  kms or until you see the Pink House on the right. Balay Indang is across the road, with large wooden gate and no. 88 sign.

Address :

Balay Indang

#88 Mahabang Kahoy

Circa, Indang , Cavite

0917-8374261 / 0917-8665825 / 02-7756886

balayindang@yahoo.com

______________________________________

Chateu Hestia

www.chateauhestia.com

“In Chateau Hestia, we just do not give you a restaurant but we also give you a feeling that you are in your own home. In this half a hectare property surrounded with lush greens, you can enjoy and entertain your own guests with our authentic European cuisine in a country-style but elegant setting.

Johannes Zehethofer, a native of Vienna, Austria, brings to the Filipinos this unique European experience. It started with his travels all-over the world, his fondness to entertain his friends, his love for wine and good food -- the result was a love affair!

At Chateau Hestia, he offers different dishes from his collection of recipes and lets them be enjoyed with his carefully-chosen wines – all in a homey atmosphere where he personally hosts his guests.

Truly like the Goddess’ sacred fire, the experience never dies out!”

A charming European dining experience in a typical Philippine setting. If you love wines and desserts then this is the perfect place for you.

The place is also a bed and breakfast place, but there are only 2 cottages available. The cottages are comparable to that of our katutubos houses where the rest room is located at the ground floor. I super love their shower room with an outdoor feel.

 

We had a short chat with the owner Mr. Zehethofer and I quoted him saying with a foreign accent " I am also the Chef and the Engineer kaya dahan dahan lang"

Chateu Hestia

www.chateauhestia.com

info@chateuhestia.com

0929-7113289