Tagaytay has always been a good weekend destination for those looking for adventure, the cold weather, and good food. The touristy spots are a given, I don't go there much because of the sheer amount of people. I'm part of the statistic who basically mind crowds and prefer a more quiet, less stressful location. There's still plenty of that in Tagaytay, and it's so awesome that travel there only takes an hour and a half (depending on where you are in Manila).
On Sundays or special occasions, I often go to Our Lady of Lourdes Paris Church in Silang Cavite or Pink Sisters Convent and Chapel. Then after a holy hour, we often have lunch in nearby restaurants because yes, Tagaytay is a food destination. There's a new restaurant off the beaten path and it's called "My Country House". This is around 10 minutes away from the highway (if you're coming from Lourdes Church) and can be searched on Google maps here.
Much of the furniture here include heirloom pieces from the previous owner. This is a country home, one that you can visit every now and then since it's only a few hours away from Metro Manila.
The interiors felt like your Tita's house (na nakaka angat angat sa buhay lol) that you would actually go to and enjoy time with family and friends. It's a mix of wood, comfy chairs with green, white and yellow accents. It's also well lit, perfect for brunch/lunch, even dinner.
This is the view from the restaurant. It's clear green grass on some parts, filled with tropical plants and the actual forest around the perimeter. They hold events here like weddings and parties, prolly could hold 300-350 pax. Those intimate weddings you're dreaming of might just fit. What I also like about this place is their Silkie Chickens that roam around
the property, they're very friendly and would make a nice activity for
kids to interact with.
Got to talk to Chef Arnold Gozon who politely asked about the dishes served, staying on top of the game and very open to suggestions.
My Kale Drink, freshly baked bread with flavored butter, plus table side Kale and Romaine Caesar Salad to start off the meal
We started with the Cheese Gougeres, Seared Foie Gras Canapes and the Miso Bagna Cauda. If you had to choose, get the Foie Gras of course! The Burrata is comforting too. Everything else is fair game.
My friends had the Saffron Seafood Paella while I got the Steak Rice (because my allergies wasn't having it!) It was comforting to have that together with the mains. Yes, get the Steak Rice!
The Chef personally prepared a 21 Day US Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak for us that afternoon, and yes, it was so worth every slice I had. It was even better with the roasted garlic on the side and the optional mushroom or spinach sauce. This is meant to be shared, but who's stopping us from having this all to ourselves right?
One of My Country Home's specials, this is Country Chicken Relleno. This was something that Chef Arnold Gozon prepares on Holidays/Christmas, but thought why not serve this labor of love in the restaurant. Make sure you have this with the sauce on the plate and roasted garlic, you need to arrange a perfect bite.
This is Chef Arnold Gozon's personal favorite, the Melting Salmon. It's soft, melts in your mouth salmon that's been cooked in oil like a confit, then lathered with miso sauce, and an Asian herb relish. Even those who didn't eat salmon actually enjoyed this, so try this out yourself!
If there's something I'd recommend, it will be this Lengua Estofado. Although usual Lengua dishes fall into rancid/organ like flavors, this one doesn't do that. It's very soft, you would mistake it for rump chunks that's been cooked for hours. It's also ultra creamy which makes it a whole lot different than your usual lengua. Best on for me.
So if you're thinking of spending the weekend at Tagaytay and feel the need for something special for your friends, family or better half, go check out My Country House at 115 Pulong Sagingan Street, Maitim 2nd West in Tagaytay. I would strongly suggest you go and reserve first before going there to make sure they've got ample seats and be ready for you. Just call or text 09178751154. They accommodate walk-ins.
It's Christmas time and looks like the Villar Family are not resting yet as they held gift giving activities at Britanny-Crosswinds in Tagaytay. This is where they annually put up a Christmas Village, sort of a tradition which families there and elsewhere enjoy the season. The event was arranged by Villar's Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG).
They brought kids (about 150 of them) from communities like Irusin in Tagaytay, some from Baseco in Tondo, Manila last Sunday as a treat so they too get to see the lovely property and enjoy activities prepared for them. It's quite nippy and pine scented, it's a different ambiance, and the kids really enjoyed the time they spent at the Swiss inspired land throughout Crosswinds. The kids and their companions also enjoyed food and drinks, the vast playground which was also built in the property of where kids and adults both had fun at.
Much of them took lots of pictures touring around the place and were also given gifts before they went home to their respective communities. This was given to them by the Villar Family who were all there too to grace the occasion. This was an annual thing for Former Senate President Manny Villar, his wife Senator Cynthia Villar, their son Senator Mark Villar and her wife Atty. Emmilene Villar, and Vista Landholdings CEO Paolo Villar + Deputy Speaker. Camille Villar who represents Las Pinas. They were also with their families, kids Emma, Tristan, all of whom hosted the attendees and the event. Senator Cynthia says "Our goal is to hopefully have them experience a few hours of fun at Crosswinds, and to also make memories with their family, friends during their stay here."
If you want to know more about the organization, visit their site villarsipag.org. If you want to see the property, you can find more information about it via brittany.com.ph or their social channels where available.
Christmas in the Philippines start at "BER" months, which means months that end with BER (September to December). It is dubbed as the longest Christmas celebration in the world and we do often take this time to be with friends, family, and loved ones. Destinations such as Tagaytay Highlands are often on top of the list because of the cool climate, serene and beautiful landscape where guests, residents would enjoy the countryside without going too far from the metropolis via a short ride away down south.
It has changed a lot over the years as new exclusive residential homes and units have been put up as vantage points to Taal Volcano and lake area, and Laguna-Mount Makiling side, you'll end up crazy trying to look at the nice views from one side and the other. They also have recently put up Christmas decors, lights, ornaments as the holidays come closer, making this a very inviting place to be in especially this December. Tagaytay Highlands will also be holding a Christmas Party for the young ones come December 17. It will be held at the Sports Center Hall so make sure you get them all dressed for the occasion.
Aside from that, there will be a Christmas Bazaar on the Highlands Golf Parking area from December 27 to 31 to make sure those aguinaldos and shopping money be spent without leaving the sweet enclave. The Sports Center Hall will also get converted for the New Years Eve countdown on the 31st, so schedule appropriately during the holidays.
For those who prefer a more holy retreat, Chapel events will happen from November 27th til the end of the year, so make sure you check schedules appropriately on site or their social channels. You can also take the trip there for the annual "Simbang Gabi" which starts from December 15th to the 23rd. The holiday mass will also be celebrated on Christmas eve and the day itself, plus on New Year's day. It's certainly a dreamy place to be in during Christmas time so if you're in the mood for a move, consider Tagaytay Highlands to be on your list if you would like a change of pace and destination during the holidays. The award winning developer Highlands Prime Inc. is a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings. It's safe and made of dreams, so if you're interested go check out Tagaytay Highlands on FB, IG and their site tagaytayhighlands.com today!
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