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We had a summer getaway with friends at Tagaytay Highlands last Saturday. We had a lot of activities that we ended up spending the whole day there. We arrived at the highlands at around 8AM from Manila. We then went to the animal farm as soon as we got our guest card. Take note that only members are allowed and we were lucky enough to have a friend who shared her membership with us.

The animal farm was really clean. But there weren’t that much animals to see. We only got to see some nice birds, fishes, monkeys, ostriches, snakes, and a tiger. But the entrance fee which was worth p110 per person (your 3 year old and below kids are free) was not too bad.

After checking out the animal farm, the boys had an hour to play basketball. They had so much fun! We had to pay p2,000 for rental fee for an hour.

We then went to enjoy the buffet lunch at the country club right after the game. This one was indeed worth it! (NOTE: Photos grabbed from Kathy of Kathycot.com’s flickr account)

Here are the appetizers.

Thai Spring Rolls which is my personal favorite. I remember we had this during our friend’s wedding dinner party and that’s how I started to fall in love with this food.

Sinuglaw – Grilled pork with raw fish dipped in vinegar. Something like a pickle.

Here are the main meals.

Roast Pork

Fish Fillet

Pasta

No picture of the fried chicken. The main meals were just ok for my taste. Nothing special.

And oh, look at our desserts!

We were fortunate that the staff gave us from 11:30am to 4PM to enjoy the food. It was a lot for us to take. So we took the food at our own pace so we ended up really enjoying the food. This is what I like about highlands, they were not too strict with everything and the service was great too!

The kids had fun swimming too. Even if the weather was way too hot to swim, they never bothered. They enjoyed it to bits! Just look at this wonderful view and you would want to swim too…

It was indeed a long but fun day for all of us. I highly recommend this place for family getaways. It is worth the trip!

I have always wanted to try Bag O’Beans but just didn’t have time to go there when we are usually in Tagaytay.

So, when we were there during the Labor Day Weekend. We jumped at the opportunity! It doesn’t matter if we had to wake up so early, we just made sure that we try Bag O’Beans’ breakfast.

I didn’t know that the place was so cozy, not to mention homey too. After finding a comfortable seats and table, we immediately ordered breakfast.

The servings were huuuge! So we shared the “Fruit Platter” to start off our meal.

Hubby and I managed to share their Big Breakfast Combo – Two eggs, bacon strips, two pork sausage links, ham, hash browns, and two fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

My sister and my Mom shared Omelette (Three Egg Omelette folded over Cheese, Mushroom, Tomatoes and Onions) with Bacon. And boy, we were surprised at how big the serving was! I also love how it was cooked. I assume that this one is probably their best seller! You can see this food in every table in Bag O’ Beans.

My brother had Chicken Tocino which was finished in 2minutes right after it was served. He loved it to bits!

Everyone ordered hot chocolate.

It was the best hot chocolate I’ve tasted second to Sonya’s of course.

Well, we were so full and happy after the breakfast that we didn’t want to have lunch anymore. But knowing my family, we won’t survive without having lunch. LOL.

If you happen to be in Tagaytay, try Bag O’ Beans, you will definitely love it!

Bag O’ Beans
115 Aguinaldo Highway,
Mendez Crossing West,
Tagaytay City
www.bagofbeanstagaytay.com
Philippines

I realized just this morning that all I ever want for mother’s day is an opportunity to rest. A whole day to unwind if I can, I want to sleep. Not do anything. Just eat, sleep, and relax. I don’t want it to be grand. Not something like a jewelry or a computer memory or a nice cellphone or wonderful flowers.

I just want to rest. Enjoy the day and forget about responsibilities for a day.

But I don’t think that’s possible.

Oh well.

Maybe next year!?

I took a short break from writing travel articles like Argentina travel and answered this pretty interesting quiz from BlogThings.

And guess what kind of dessert am I?

You Are a Brownie

Decadent and intense, you aren’t for the weakhearted. Those who can deal with your strong flavor find out how sweet you really are.

It was fun! Try the test too!

I’m sure restaurants and hotels will be packed to celebrate this special day. I hope you made your reservations!

As for us, probably a lunch out or a dinner out, a treat by Hubby of course! (*grin*)

Should I expect a gift on this special day? A diamond heart jewelry, perhaps? A spa treatment to relax and unwind? Naaaah. I don’t think so!

So what are your plans for your mothers this weekend?

Have fun!

When I go to the mall I would always drop by Breadtalk. I so love the breads there, not to mention the smell! The smell of freshly baked breads are all over the place. BreadTalk is the Singaporean boutique bakery franchise that has revolutionized the way many Filipinos look at bread. I for one is a fan!

Here are my favorite breads from BreadTalk.

- Flosss and Cheese Flosss (p60)
BreadTalk’s signature soft, light bread subtly flavoured with egg cream and generously topped with pork floss

- Egg Surprise
- Egg Tarts
- Coffee Buns
- Beckham and Cheese
- Garlic Pizza
- Veggie Pizza

All breads in BreadTalk are kept on the shelves for just a day. At the end of business hours, all unsold bread are disposed of. But they assured that their breads are good for three days.

Awww, those breads are just mouth-watering! I better go to the mall later probably after I do some reading on affordable life insurance quotes for my sister.

BreadTalk has branches at Glorietta 4, Ayala Center and at the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center. For more info, visit their website.

I can’t believe it!

It took only two rounds to knock Hatton out! We had a bet and I didn’t bet for him actually. LOL! I thought that he wouldn’t make it. But after the fight it made me think that Manny is the champion. Whatever level he will be. Whether he takes weight loss pills for a fight or not. I guess he will win it no matter what.

Congratulations, Manny! Now, I’m officially a fan. (*grin*)

* Grabbed from Propinoy.blogspot.com.

You better be ready!

On Sunday, May 3, 2009!