Food Travel presents: TWG Tea - A Taste of Grandeur!

Okay. I am a tea drinker.

I am always on the "look-out" of the best and finest tea in town. This healthy beverage picks up my sagging energy especially in the afternoon when I am almost consumed with stress. But sometimes I would kick the habit of grabbing a cup of hot green tea in the morning when my breakfast consists of fatty or too-sweet foods, the bitter taste of tea balances everything and helps prevent my appetite from blowing up!

I love this exquisite British tradition - Afternoon Tea Party! Because it has something to do with my fascination in life--the British monarchy haha!

The fashionable Afternoon Tea Party, which has been continued by the Queen in the Buckingham Palace every summer, started during the time of Queen Victoria of England in the 19th century when one of her ladies-in-waiting, the Duchess of Bedford, initiated the tradition by inviting her aristocratic friends to the palace to have an Afternoon tea.

Okay...

So after our arrival from Calatagan, Batangas, (and because we wanted to attend the Sunday afternoon mass at the Mary Mother of Hope chapel in Landmark, Makati), we hopped in at Ayala station from Taft.

After attending the mass (we left our pack bags at Landmark's baggage counter :-P), we excitedly proceeded to Greenbelt 5 and giggled upon reaching the lobby where TWG Tea situated.

It's an opulent Tea Cafe originally established in Singapore, so luxurious that by looking at its design and interior, you would instantly feel the aura of grandeur and glamour that the cafe exemplifies. 

I was nervous. You know what? Because I was afraid the rate per order at this magnificent Tea Cafe might left my wallet bleeding in disaster lol! Good that my friend, Rowie, foot the bill, it was her treat for my birthday because I always wanted to have an Afternoon Tea Party but never got a time to organize it.

We entered the cafe with a hesitant mind but with an excited heart!

Finally, we settled in a remote corner because we wanted to observe how the richy richy patrons behaved, we did not dream to put ourselves into great embarrassment so a little observation was a good idea :-D

TWG Tea, though Asian in nature, follows a very European attitude in dining, the etiquette, the setting, the mode and all those intricate details in holding cutlery and tea cups.

 

TWG Tea at Greenbelt 5

 

Tea Party!! :-P

All smile while waiting for our Tea!!

Cattleya Resort, Antipolo City

Had a good time with colleagues last April 26 at Cattleya Resort in Antipolo City. It was just an overnight stay, the fact that we're in a hurry to leave the area on the following morning, I wasn't able to take nice shots of the resort.:-D

Pool side of the vacation rental home within Cattleya Resort

Cattleya is not your usual idea of a typical resort, it's more like a village with several vacation rental homes. But the place is not disappointing as you might think, in fact it is ideal for people who may want to escape the extreme hot weather in the city and cool down privately.

It is extremely private with just only visitors who booked at its specific rental home can occupy the pool area and the ground. The swimming pool is not really huge, you should take extra precautions, especially if you have kids, when walking around the pool area, you will topple if you won't look on your steps.

Spiritual Adventure: Visita Iglesia

Taking a break from Travel and Leisure...

And journeying back to myself...to the deepest part of my spiritual sense, honouring the solemnity of the Holy Week season and remembering Jesus Christ's suffering and death on the cross.

Holy Week is the only period in a year that Christians are given a chance to commemorate solemnly the sacrifices, pain and suffering of Christ. It's not a whole year round event, it is just one week, so why not offer it to Jesus alone? 

Over the years, my belief and concept of observing the Holy Week did not change. I am still following the traditional practice of spending the days quietly at home or visiting the church. The most crucial days of the week -- Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday --- celebrate the four sacred events that constituted the life of a Christian faith --- The Lord's Last Supper Mass (Maundy Thursday), The Passion of Jesus Christ (Good Friday), The Easter Vigil and renewal of our Baptism (Black Saturday) and The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus (Sunday). I can take a vacation any time of the year but not during Holy Week, I always considered it a very special and sacred week that must be spent only in the church and getting in touch with my faith devotedly.

Yesterday, Good Friday, I was able to complete the devotion of Visita Iglesia, one of the most enduring Roman Catholic traditions that can be traced back from the early times. It is a pious tradition where believers visit seven churches during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday to meditate on the Passion of Jesus Christ and venerate the Crucifix.

The seven churches I visited represent historical significance of the Roman Catholic Church life in the Philippines. Most of these churches had survived calamities and disasters, including two World Wars and foreign invasions, that hammered the country in the past centuries. 

McKinley Hill, The Fort, Taguig

When coming to Manila, don't miss the opportunity of visiting the little Europe in the metro --- McKinley Hill in Taguig!

You know, I always love Europe and it has been my ultimate dream to take a leisure trip around the continent, particularly in Scotland, Britain, France, Italy and Switzerland and a Tuscan Holiday is an ultimate obsession!This dream however remains a dream, but as we all know, God is good!!! Sometimes He creates certain forms of miracles to pacify our longings. Because I cannot afford to go to Europe at the moment, God allowed me to work in an environment that has a taste of Europe ^_____^

Experience a taste of Europe in McKinley Hill!

If there's one business district in Metro Manila that combines the energy of a sophisticated urban living and the elegance of Europe then it's McKinley Hill at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. From the imposing buildings, stunning landscape down to the artistic architectural design of the high-end structures, McKinley is truly beyond imagination when it comes to modernization in the Philippines with a brush of a western culture!!

The transformation of McKinley Hill into a luxurious district is being handled by the Megaworld Corporation, a high-end property developer and the country's premier BPO office space provider that has been targeting an upper class real estate development in Metro Manila.

McKinley has state-of-the-art, large-scale condominiums, business establishments and town houses that are extremely modern, designed under a strong European influence. It is also home to some of the most highly reputable multinational companies operating in the Philippines, Accenture, Wells Fargo, Thomson Reuters among others. High-end condominiums and town houses mushroomed around the area leaving it no room for economical shelters to be built, making McKinley Hill one of the most expensive districts in Metro Manila.

According to the Megaworld Corporation site, the concept of McKinley Hill is developed for the successful set and for international engagements in the country. Aside from high-rising condominiums and offices, McKinley houses international schools and embassies.

Luxurious Properties in McKinley Hill

1. The Florence - Offers the finest things of an urban living from retail stores, to restaurants and condominiums. The architectural design is patterned after the artistic Italian city of the same name.

2. Viceroy Executive Residences - High-rising condominiums designed for the elite and business leaders.

3. The Venice - composed of event pavilions, arcade and a beautiful Piazza.

4. Morgan - Townhouses and condominiums

5. Stamford - a world-class community with beautifully designed condominiums where you can experience the life of privilege and glamour

6. Tuscany Hill Estate - Are you dreaming to have a Tuscan adventure in Italy but cannot afford a ticket at the moment, why not visit the Tuscany Hill in McKinley instead? I am very lucky because I always pass here everyday. It's an illustrious clusters of residential houses designed under the Tuscan influence and Mediterranean mode, it has an array of cafes and restaurants too.

7. McKinley Hill village and gardens - Beautiful town houses designed under the Italian countryside concept and the Caribbean scene, it has a beautiful garden, trees and beautiful pathways.

The Tower of Venice Piazza (orange structure) from a distance

When I arrived in Manila in 2013 and my friends brought me to Razon's in McKinley to try its scrumptious Halo-halo and Sizzling Bulalo, I was amazed with the grandeur of the surrounding, the magnificent buildings, the cool atmosphere, the luxurious ambience. It feels like Italy! So lavish and glamorous, but when I learned that the cost of living here is terribly expensive, my fascination towards the place waned down and did not dream to get a job here.

But oh, well, life sometimes can be so cunning and tricky, pushing us a little harder to test our endurance.  Late last year, I had a final interview at one of McKinley's "resident" companies and my anxiety began. I had this slight reservation working at this district due to the distance of travelling and the expensive lifestyle. There's no public utility jeep, no carenderia and boarding houses, so I was hoping that if ever I got accepted on the job I would be assigned elsewhere. Unfortunately, I ended up at McKinley still hehe!

My travel everyday from Caloocan City to McKinley, Taguig, which takes almost three hours depends on the dense of traffic, is kinda toxic. But since I don't want to start my day in a bad light, I just treated each moment as a great opportunity to do a sight seeing in the city and the moment I enter the vicinity of McKinley hill and feel the European-like atmosphere, all the reservations and stress I felt eventually vanish.

McKinley Hill as viewed at the 6th floor of the Tower A of One Campus Place

The stunning skyline of McKinley Hill.

Each day, in the morning, I would sit beside the window of the pantry

on the 6th floor of the McK Tower A to get a perfect view of the European atmosphere of McKinley Hill.

McKinley Hill is just a stone-throw away from Bonifacio Global City, another high-end district in Taguig that offers comfort, leisure and luxurious lifestyle, also a project of the Megaworld Corporation.

So if you are coming to Manila, seize the opportunity of visiting McKinley Hill, it's simply elegant!You will experience a different thrill and style of being in a European surrounding.

How to go to McKinley Hill

McKinley can be reached by any means of transportation except jeepneys.

From Bonifacio Global City (BGC)/Market, Market

• Take taxi or van

From Magallanes MRT station

• Go to San Lorenzo place (just within Magallanes MRT station's area) and ride a City Link bus or Van, these PUVs have daily routes to McKinley Hill.

What to do in McKinley Hill

• Dine! It has some of the finest food establishments in the Metro. Plus the surrounding is ideal for photo souvenirs.
• Be amused with its European atmosphere.
• Take a leisure walk along its quiet and glamorous streets.

Best establishments to visit at McKinley Hill

• Don't miss dining at Razon's (near Florence Way). Its halo-halo is ultra-delicious, and the sizzling bulalo is so insanely delectable!
• Tuscany - Not just a private estate but a food destination as well.
• Venice Piazza - It feels like a shopping mall with fashion boutiques and foods!

Luneta Park and Intramuros, Manila

Rediscovering the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines!

For everyone, December 24 is a busy day of preparation for Christmas Eve, but I and my friend, Lea, decided to spend it outdoor, strolling around the historical landmarks in Manila :-D

Two of the most famous tourist attractions in Manila, Philippines that reflect the country's long struggle for independence and freedom are Luneta Park and Intramuros. These historical sites embody the Philippines' unique culture and ancestry. So if you want to get an additional piece of knowledge about the country's glorious past and cultural orientation, try to include Luneta Park and Intramuros in your itinerary of travel when coming to Manila.

LUNETA PARK

Located along Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, this urban park officially known as Rizal Park, is a massive complex of gardens, Philippine Heroes’ markers, plants and a playground. It is beautifully covered with manicured lawn, cobbled stone pathways, green plants, flowers and water fountain. There’s a large Philippine map carved in stone situated in the middle of the river near the foot bridge of the park.

At the heart of Luneta Park

Philippine map carved in stone

The park has several souvenir’s shops where you can buy gift items at an affordable price. It has park benches along the pathways. You will also find mini-shuttles and Kalisa (horse-drawn carriage, Philippine’s oldest form of transportation) that would take you around the area for sightseeing, rate ranges from 30 pesos to 50 pesos.

Two of the most famous monuments inside the park are that of Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero who fought during the Spanish era in the 19^th century, and Lapu-Lapu, a tribal chieftain in the visayas region, hailed as one of the early Philippine heroes who famously led the resistance of the Cebuanos against the Spaniards in the 16^th century. Lapu-Lapu's monument is a gift from the people of South Korea. 

At the monument of Lapu-Lapu, a gift of appreciation from the people of Korea to honor the assistance extended by Filipinos during the Korean War in the 1950s.

Luneta Park is an important site of Philippine history, it is where Dr. Jose Rizal executed on December 30, 1896. The site marker of his execution can be found not far from the water fountain. His monument, made of bronze and granite, is closely guarded by military personnels and visitors are not allowed to go closer to the vicinity of the monument.

Monument of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal

The best time to visit Luneta park is during mid-afternoon and early evening where the environment is cooler and soothing. You will feel the relaxing breeze of the soft air coming from the Manila bay. The sprawling area is ideal for unwinding, dry picnic and simply bonding moment with friends and family. 

Visitors are allowed to bring food inside the park, just bring with you a sheet to spread in the grass for your dry picnic. But not all areas in the park are available for resting, the manicured lawn with the greenest grass is off limit to visitors, just ask the guard on duties where to stay for a dry picnic to avoid being reprimanded.

Other tourist sites and landmarks within the park are Japanese garden, Chinese garden, Children's playground, Museum, Department of Tourism, the National Library, Luntiang Pilipinas garden, Quirino Grandstand, Kilometer Zero marker, which serves as a point where all road distances from Manila are measured, Harbor View and Manila Ocean Park.

Nearest Landmarks and Establishments in Luneta Park:

1. Bayview Park Hotel Manila
2. Hotel H2O
3. La Luneta Apartment
4. Manila City Hall
5. Manila Hotel
6. Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino
7. NBI
8. SM Manila
9. Supreme Court
10. The Corporate Inn Hotel
11. University of the Philippines-Manila
12. Philippine General Hospital

How to get there?

If you are traveling via LRT, alight at the United Nations Station, Luneta Park is just few steps from the exit area of the station. If you are traveling via the public utility jeep, disembark at the Kalaw street and walk straight ahead. Entrance Fee to the park is free. 

INTRAMUROS

This is one area in Manila where you can still experience the atmosphere of the Spanish culture.

Known as the Walled City, this ancient complex, which is preserved by the Philippine government to commemorate the country’s journey to freedom and independence, echoes the interesting past of the nation especially during Spanish colonialism.

Intramuros (Latin for "within the walls") is just as interesting as the country's tradition and culture, it will take you back in time to the old days of the Spanish Society. 

Upper part of the walled city just in front of San Juan de Letran

Lyceum of the Philippines inside Intramuros

Built around the 16th century, Intramuros is one of the fewest remaining landmarks in the Metro where visitors can experience the Spanish-era Manila through its streets, restaurants, stores, buildings and churches. Within the wall lies Fort Santiago, originally built as a defensive fortress of Spaniards but later transformed into a prison wall.

Intramuros was originally used as the seat of government of the Spaniards in the Philippines and was declared the capital of the new Spanish Colony. The defensive walls were built to protect the city from foreign invasions. It was heavily damaged during World War II but reconstructed in 1951 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Filipino people. The site was consequently declared the National Historical Monument.

Entrance to Fort Santiago near the Pasig river

When you visit this place, you will be surprised with the ancient appearance of the environment, even the guards on duty are wearing the Spanish-era tailored uniform. The cobbled streets look like the old days, very quiet and peaceful, the pathways and walls have no traces of modernization, felt like you are traveling back in time and as you walk through the quiet street, you will see the ancient structures of buildings and stores.

There are educational institutions inside the walled city: Mapua Institute of Technology, San Juan de Letran, Collegio de Sta. Rosa and Lyceum of the Philippines.

How to get there?

Intramuros is accessible by any types of transportation. If you are traveling via LRT, you may alight at the Central station then walk ahead across Manila City Hall, you will pass two intersections, from there you will see a fenced lawn and ahead of that is the entrance of Intramuros. If you are traveling via public utility vehicles, choose the routes going to Lawton/SM Manila or Pier. Intramuros is just around the area.

In my experience visiting Intramuros with a friend, we just walked from Luneta Park to Manila City Hall then we crossed the street on the left side, and headed to Intramuros.

Nearest Landmarks and establishments in Intramuros:

1. Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel
2. Manila City hall
3. Palacio del Gubernador
4. SM Manila
5. US Embassy
6. White Knight Hotel Intramuros

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Let's Travel with Christmas Lights!

It's holiday season! And while everyone is busy preparing for Christmas shopping list or searching gift ideas for their loved ones, I am making my own list of a unique holiday musing and stick to what I love doing most: Travel and Blogging  ^_____^

Here's the first of the many Christmas holiday travels I want to indulge in.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS HOPPING!

I love Christmas, it's the most wonderful time of the year and my happiest season! The mere thought of celebrating Christmas makes me to bounce in happiness and excitement, it brings warm memories.

I love the energy of the holiday season, the joy, the fun, the laughter and the vitality of everyone, the exuberance of the holiday rush and the foods to prepare! Seems there's an everlasting peace and happiness in the environment, the thought of Christmas alone gives me so much inspiration and delight, such a heart-warming feeling to relish!

One of the most anticipated elements of the holiday season I often look forward is the unveiling of unique Christmas ornaments by different establishments, felt like I am a child again staring at the vibrant Christmas decors in the surroundings, as if the magic of innocence did not end.

Whenever I travel through FX from Manila to Caloocan on weekend after work, my spirit is on high and truly relax because of so many sparkling lights in the street, it somehow eases the irritation of enduring the heavy traffic and the longing of missing home at Christmastime.

The magnificent Christmas lights at the Garden Restaurants area of 

Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

We're not able to witness the

Merry Musical Lights presentation because we went home before 7:00 pm

we plan to come back some other time to witness the show

Yesterday, I took a one day absent from work because I need to go to Greenhills, San Juan for an important appointment, after the meeting, I and my sister went to Greenhills Shopping Center to visit its Christmas lights and presentations area just across the Promenade, unfortunately the show will start at 6:00 in the evening and we need to go home early to feed our cats hehe! So I told my sister that we just come back some other time, we proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City instead to view its lively Christmas lights.

Trinoma's Garden Restaurants area on the third floor transformed into a merry fairytale landia at night time because of so many elegant Christmas decorations, all its trees, plants and landscape were covered with beautiful Christmas lights. We seated for a while and took some pictures but unfortunately the show of Merry Musical Christmas Lights in the Garden will start at 7:00 pm, since we still have to travel for another one hour to reach home, we agreed to just come back some other time to witness the show.

Aside from Trinoma and Greenhills Shopping Center, there are other destinations in the city where people can truly enjoy the wonders of Christmastime. The Ayala Triangle in Makati city is just one of these destinations. With its spectacular 800,000 LED bulbs that come to life and dance in synchronization with Christmas medleys, visitors will surely be delighted. Mall of Asia, Star City, Policarpio street in Mandaluyong and Powerplant, Rockwell in Makati are other spectacular holiday destinations in the Metropolis where everyone can witness glamorous Christmas decors. With the exemption of Star City, people can visit these gorgeous displays of Christmas wonders for free, just visit the above-mentioned places beyond 6:00 in the evening to experience the glittery delights of the holiday embellishments.

I cannot wait to visit the Ayala Triangle in Makati sometime next week to view its extraordinary display of Christmas sparkles!

Asking where to go to take some souvenirs for Christmas 2013 memories under the twinkling and vivacious Christmas lights splendour? Here are some of the top picks and most recommended destinations in the Greater Manila Area.

1. Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

2. Ayala Triangle, Makati City

3. Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan

4. Mall of Asia

5. Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong

6. Powerplant, Rockwell

7. Quezon City Memorial Circle

8. Star City, CCP Complex

9. Roxas Boulevard, Manila

10. World Trade Center

It's 12 days before Christmas!!

Updated: December 27, 2013

Finally, just before Christmas Eve! I was able to visit Ayala Triangle in Makati City with friends to view its stunning display of Christmas lights!

After our strolling in Luneta Park and Intramuros, I and Lea went straight to Makati City to meet her cousin, Archel. We made some grocery shopping for our Noche Buena at SM Makati and Landmark then walked along the glittery street of Paseo de Roxas to be at the Ayala Triangle.

 At the lively display of Christmas ornaments in Ayala Triangle

 With Lea Maika

....and Archel

Ayala Triangle brings delight to everyone as it presents one of the most gorgeous sets of Christmas lights in the metro that dance in synchronization with Christmas medleys.