It’s a sunny Monday in Manila! And to welcome the sunshine (after the pesky storm, Basyang ) this blog, annalyn.net, is pleased to announce our new promo, the Share Your Bonifacio Global City Story contest.

Does your family spend quality bonding time in Bonifacio Global City? What culinary memories and discoveries have you had here? If hanging out in Bonifacio Global City has become a big part of your life (like we do!) time to write down your best BGC family and food stories for a chance to win prizes. We will run the promo for three weeks until the second/third week of August and the weekly winners will each receive a P3,000 electronic gift card from the Ayala Malls. Please read the end of this post for the simple mechanics.

Bonifacio High Street is one of our fave spots in the metro. Love the fact that it’s pet- and family-friendly. It was designed in such a way that people, especially children, can freely roam and play in its open spaces. Manila is crowded with too many vehicles and high-rises as it is. We go to BHS to recharge, smell the breeze or just look around any of their specialty boutiques.

The kids love building Lego blocks at Hobbes & Landes, playing the sandbox at ROX, reading children’s books at Fully Booked or simply whiling the hours away at Time Zone!

When it’s time to soothe our hunger pangs, we eat in Boni High or cross over to the neighboring Serendra Piazza which has some of the most sought-after restos in the city. We especially love the steaks at Mamou, the corned beef sinigang at Sentro, more Filipino food at Abe and the Cupcakes by Sonja, among other restaurants that can be enjoyed here.

How about you?

In as little as two paragraphs, write about the food and/or family experience in and around Bonifacio Global City that impressed you (note: BGC covers such areas as Market! Market, Burgos Circle etc. but does not include McKinley Hill)

The first week winner will be announced on July 30, following these rules:

1. You must be a resident of Metro Manila.

2. Blog about your Bonifacio Global City experience with a link back to this post. Or -

Comment on this post with your answer (two short paragraphs!) and separately email me two photos (food, restaurant, place) using my email annalyn(dot)jusay(at)gmail(dot)com

3. After you have blogged or commented, spread the word in your Facebook, Twitter, Multiply and other social networking sites and kindly get back to me with the links.

In order to win, entry must be accurate and comply with the rules above. I will choose the best entry based on how it portrays the best Bonifacio Global City family and dining experience.

Deadline for the submission of entries:

Week 1: July 29

Week 2: August 5

Week 3: August 12

Good luck!

I was never able to visit the much-acclaimed Italian resto Amoroma all the time it was in Alabang. That old place is closed, and now am glad this “best-kept secret resto” has permanently settled in Tagaytay. You’ll see it if you use the Sta. Rosa Road. It now even boasts of a bed and breakfast!

The ambiance is that of an airy and spacious trattoria. The dining room lay-out was actually interesting. As you enter the main door, there’s a bar on the right, a pizza-making counter on the left and the cashier at the back-end. In between, there’s a display freezer for deli items.

What to order when you’re just a first timer to the place? Pizza, of course! In the counter, we saw an unassuming woman making pizza. It turned out to be Pholie who owns Amoroma together with husband Nino Mastropietro. The Amoroma menu is quite extensive but it’s quite safe to stick to the basics if you’re just trying out the resto.

We enjoyed her Pizza Bianca (P315), a 13-inch diameter thin crust pizza that is so called because it is white. I liked that it was crispy and chewy at the same time, not to forget creamy because of the generous spread of mozzarella cheese. The salami slices on top added oomph to this mild-tasting pizza.

I was craving for some pork that day so I ordered their Braciole di Maiale (P235) – grilled porkchops with olive oil, garlic and thyme herb. The chops were tender and I liked the way it was cooked so that the natural flavors would come out. No taste that overpowers you and makes you forget you’re eating pork

Hubby had the lasagna al forno (P230). He wished it had a stronger taste, but otherwise it was good. I forgot to ask if Amoroma had a wood-fired oven, but I guess there is

To cap off our meal, we shared a single serving of tiramisu (P155) and savored the heavenly mix of espresso and mascarpone cheese. Paired with my favorite brewed coffee, of course!

On this Tagaytay trip, I was certainly glad to discover Amoroma. Their prices weren’t bad either. Mr. Mastropietro even found the time to greet our baby and to talk about the rigors of doing business (for instance, owning the place in Tagaytay is better than paying the rent in Alabang)

I am curious to see their bed and breakfast next time. Just in case you’re curious, their B & B room rates are P3,200 from Monday to Thursday and P3,500 on weekends and holidays.This is already inclusive of breakfast for two and welcome drink. Rooms have cable TV, aircon, mini bar, hot & cold shower, imported towels and bed linens and fire-proof blankets (!!!)

Amoroma Ristorante Italiano & Bed and Breakfast
Bgy Tolentino West, National Highway, Tagaytay City
Tel. No. (046) 6963582, 0929-2690370

I sorely missed travelling the whole time I was pregnant. That is why our short trip to Tagaytay City last weekend was memorable. It was also our first time to tag along our barely two month-old baby Lucia. We stayed at the Summit Ridge Hotel which was kind enough to invite us for an overnight stay to try their facilities and amenities.

Summit Ridge, owned by the Robinsons Group, is the newest luxury hotel to rise in the city. I must say its direct competition is the Taal Vista Hotel controlled by taipan Henry Sy of SM. In fact, the SM and Robinsons malls will soon slug it out in the city, with SM Supercenter slated to open in 2011.

In the hotel category, Taal Vista remains an institution and projects more elegance. Its location with a nearer view of Taal Lake and the volcano is unequalled at present. But I must say Summit Ridge is catching up fast. More affordable room rates and the advantage of having a mini mall – the Promenade – beside it, with its array of coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, hardware store, gaming arcade and even a Robinsons supermarket. I like the whole idea because it can be a hassle driving around Tagaytay, or commuting here.

The hotel has a spacious and elegant lobby. I just wished they changed the staff uniforms . It was my first time to see front desk personnel of a de luxe hotel wearing polo shirts (!!). I think this is the common uniform for all employees of the Robinsons Group of Companies, but an exception should be made if the hotel is to exude an aura befitting its classy environment

We stayed in a twin classic room which was also spacious and installed with modern amenities like an LCD TV and in-room wifi. Cable TV is important but reliable free wifi gains more points with me. Luckily, Summit Ridge had both. There’s also a balcony with a view of the scenic lake and its environs. I am actually more amazed with the fact that all five of us in the trip fit in the room – me, the hubby, baby and the twins. Thank God for their wide couch which was good enough to double as a bed. Ordering an extra bed at P2,000 is expensive, otherwise. That’s good enough to pay for a room in other places

Summit Ridge Hotel has only one dining establishment – Annie’s slash C2 Classic Cuisine and I’m glad they chose one of the best. C2 is one of my favorite restaurants in Manila offering neo-Filipino cuisine and is owned by The Cravings Group. The buffet breakfast has a good, lean selection and for dinner, we savored C2 specialties like the pinakbet with bagnet, pork & chicken barbecue, bibingka souffle and biko barako (mmm, I just love their fresh take on Filipino desserts!)

Here’s a view of their elongated swimming pool overlooking a subdivision. The kids wanted to swim but they forgot their swimming outfits. LOL. Maybe next time.

For Summit Ridge Hotel reviews, I made one on Trip Advisor and also on my wedding blog, Wedding Fact Sheet on why the hotel can be a good venue for your dream wedding in the mountains.

Anyway, just to give you an idea, here’s the Summit Ridge room rates for the month of July 2010:

Twin Classic – P6, 550
King Classic – P7, 150
Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550
Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000
Summit Suite – P14,000

For inquiries, call Tel. No. (632) 240-6888 or Sun cell no. 0922-8526800
or email reservations@summitridgehotel.com

Am not a big fan of flying, or of heights and tall buildings but I just have to say the view from the 42nd floor of this hotel in Ortigas Center is quite breathtaking. This manic Tuesday happened to find me in the middle of Ortigas, first: to visit the 34th floor office of Robinsons Land, and then then the penthouse (42nd floor) of another. I didn’t quite realize the area is full of skyscrapers. I guess riding high-speed elevators would be like routine if you work here. It isn’t really the norm in the heart of Manila (where am based) with buildings there only ten to 20 storeys high at the most.

Okay am rambling.Tall buildings are structurally sound and built to withstand natural calamities like earthquakes (!!) Besides, you wouldn’t be in any place safer if something like typhoon Ondoy struck again. Still, am not the type who prefers living in a tall condo because am not really comfortable with the idea. Look what happened during 9/11..and earthquakes. Ugh.

But with views like this, who needs fear? Manila seen in another light. Photo taken at Discovery Suites penthouse, Ortigas Center.

Since it’s summer, a visit to the Enchanted Kingdom theme park in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna is a treat my kids can’t refuse. Thankfully, there was an invitation from the park management for the family to enjoy their rides. Specifically, it was the Easter Day launch of their new attractions like Zoori’s Adventure, Tweeter and Bungee Fun.

Luckily, South Luzon Expressway had very light traffic that day and our drive from Paranaque was only 45 minutes or so. Enchanted Kingdom was also not crowded and the only thing bearing down on us was the summer heat. It was also hubby’s first time to see the park which is the Philippines’ own version of Hong Kong Disneyland. He only had positive things to say

Enchanted’s Space Shuttle Max is the ultimate in adrenaline-pumping excitement. I’ve ridden a ride like this before (out of the country) and that’s the last of it

Something I didn’t see in our previous visits: a lion!

Preggy old me was only allowed to ride the chariot of the Grand Carousel. I wouldn’t have risked it anyway.

Some rides to try in Enchanted Kingdom: Rio Grande Rapids, Anchors Away, Discovery Theater, Roller Skaters, Jungle Log Jam, Swan Lake, Dodgem, Wheel of Fate, Up, up and Away, Bumbling Boulders, Stone Eggs, Exodus, Kart Trak, Boulderville Express, Xtreme Paintball, Rialto, Triassic Laser Tag, SRRX (haunted place), among others.

After our day at the park, we decided not to immediately drive back to Manila and stayed at El Cielito Inn, a business hotel that’s frequented by executives from the surrounding technoparks. We got an Executive Room at a rate of P3,300 a night which was enough to fit the family with its two large beds. Their coffeeshop, La Hacienda, also served decent food. One thing that stood out in this place: its cleanliness. Worth having is the hotel’s Enchanted Kingdom package which would entitle one to four free tickets to the park plus an Executive Room for only P3,900.

The next day, we went to Paseo de Sta. Rosa, a strip mall 10 to 15 minutes away. It is notable for its row of outlet stores and restaurants, most popular of which is the Kanin Club. But KC disappointed me with its “soupy” paksiw na bangus last time, so I just opted for a take-out of their bestselling crispy dinuguan and turon. We actually ended up eating at Bacolod Inasal, after shopping in the little boutiques in the area.

Of course for most people, Sta. Rosa Laguna is just a gateway for the cooler climes of Tagaytay City

Post New Year, the whole family motored down to Tagaytay City. Excitement was in the air because the kids and I haven’t been here for a long time and it was also the hubby’s first time to see the place.

Due to the notorious traffic along the South Expressway, I’ve mercilessly given up going to Tagaytay through the years in favor of other itineraries in the North. But I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder….

On the way there, we first make a lunch stop at Kanin Club in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. As expected of this in-demand resto, we had to wait for a few minutes to get a table and a longer time for our food. Even though a part of me wanted to try their crispy dinuguan again, I was craving for the paksiw na bangus but it fell short of expectations. The sauce of the paksiw had the consistency of soup

Arriving in our destination, we checked in at Hotel Dominique which was quite near the rotonda. We chose this hotel because we were able to get a good rate here: P4,500 or approximately $100 for a two bedroom, two bathroom casita with attic (and own parking space.) The Spanish-inspired hotel looked small from the highway, but it was spacious inside. It even had a swimming pool.

What is a trip South of Manila without the overlooking view of Taal Lake and the volcano? We chose to hang out in the view deck of the Taal Vista Hotel and later settle for drinks at their Cafe on the Ridge. Brrr! It was cold. Tagaytay weather can really rival Baguio at this time of year. It was also foggy that day but we arrived just in time to catch the beautiful sunset.

Dinner was at Bag of Beans which is famous for its pies, raisin bread and mini aviary. The owner is a Filipina married to a British guy. We’ve tasted better pies but the place rates high in terms of ambiance. The resto has expanded and you’ll be pleased to find not just a table, but your own private hut.

In the morning, we chose to have a savory breakfast of pancakes and omelettes at Buon Giorno of The Cliff House Tagaytay. I liked not only this restaurant (service was good) but the whole complex itself since it’s picturesque and features other reputable establishments like The Fire Lake Grill and Cafe Breton. The boutique hotel, The Inn at Cliffhouse Tagaytay, has also just opened and should be a must-try the next time we’re in the city.

Lunch was spent at Chateau Hestia, one of the new “out of the way” restaurants located in the outskirts of the city (I think its address is already Silang, Cavite). This resto prides itself in its European menu since the owner is Swiss. The kids gorged on their gourmet pizzas while the hubby had his French onion soup, salad and schnitzel. But my order of a Reuben sandwich was a big disappointment. I am still in search of a good Reuben around. Overall though, service was good and guests will surely have a good time roaming around their spacious garden,complete with swings, a hanging bridge and rooms for their Bed and Breakfast.

If you’re going to Chateau Hestia on a date, don’t forget to give your loved one these I Love You chocolates from Belgium, tee hee

Unfortunately, this trip didn’t bring any exciting culinary discoveries for me. Still, Tagaytay wins it for the cool weather, the nice view and the prettiness of its restaurants. I am looking forward to visiting with the family again soon!

As I said, even on a lean month like September, lodgings in a tourist town like Coron were fully-booked, especially popular ones like the Village Lodge and the overrated Sea Dive. So we ended up in the most expensive place, the Coron Gateway Hotel which was on its soft opening at that time. This was located in a nondescript building that looked more like an office than anything. The room cost us P3,500 a night, but we were certainly satisfied when we saw it.

I liked its interiors, and an LCD TV wasn’t something I expected to find in a provincial hotel. We also had a balcony that looked out into the sea, a big bathtub, a shower and a marble-tiled bathroom. Because of its features, I’d happily recommend Coron Gateway to couples scouting for their Coron honeymoon. It’s better than being marooned in a resort like Club Paradise, especially as there are many activities you can do in Coron itself.

Now am sure some people would frown on the hotel’s location since it’s beside the town market. The road isn’t paved as well so there were muddy parts. But this wasn’t a big issue for me as I like checking out the public market when am in a certain place. The seafront view in our room also made up for it, plus the fact that we were just a few walks away from our favorite restaurants and commercial stores.

Unfortunately though, we were only able to try Coron Gateway Hotel’s accommodations. We didn’t even get to try their coffeeshop, probably because we were taken aback by misspelled items on the menu like chicken finger and potato leak soup I don’t know if it was because they were on a soft opening, but even the hotel staff weren’t wearing uniforms. In terms of the cleanliness of the place though, we didn’t have any complaints.

At the time of our visit, there were only two price ranges for the rooms: P3,500 for the junior suites, and P7,500 for their so-called presidential suites. The latter had a living room, a dining area and kitchen ~ definitely ideal for families and big groups.

Truth to tell, Coron in Palawan was the most memorable place I visited this year, especially if you count the uber-turbulent flight we had there on bad weather. I also couldn’t forget this place since this is where we made Baby Z, tee hee. I guess it was the powerful combination of nature and nurture that did us in

Coron foremostly entices you with its lush beauty. One major activity here is island-hopping where you can enjoy the sea, the mountains and the islands in their full splendor. Must-visits are the some of the town’s famous nature spots:Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoon, Cayangan Lake, Barracuda lake and Maquinit Hot Springs.

For a fee of P1,300 or so, a boatman and his team will take you to the islands for a day on an outrigger boat. Be prepared to shell out extra because entering each island will set you back another P100-200 which they charge to tourists as “environmental fees.” Before setting off to the sea, you can also choose to have the boatman buy fresh fish and produce in the wet market, and they will grill it for you when you have your lunch stopover (we ate in Banol Beach, a small stretch of a beach maintained by the Tagbanuas, a native tribe.)

Accommodations are a-plenty in Coron, but it was probably our mistake that we didn’t book beforehand. Upon arriving, we first went to Sea Dive Resort but it was fully booked (even on a lean month like September?) Next we went to the adjacent lodge called L&M Pe, but its standards weren’t acceptable to my non-backpacker husband:D Finally, somebody showed us the largely unpublicized, newly-opened Coron Gateway Hotel which I presume is the only five-star hotel in Coron. We got a junior suite and at 80 square meters or so, it was large enough for the two us. It had a big jacuzzi and our room had a balcony which looked out into the sea. This kept us happy and contented for a few days.

If you ask me for one travel tip on your stay in Coron, it would be to get a hotel or resort that’s in the center of town to save you from the hassle of tricycle trips. Staying in the center, or the commercial part of the town, meant that we were just a walk away from most restaurants, bars, bank ATMs, tour agencies, stores, and the market.

As for the cuisine, what can I say… the town certainly gets my vote as our food destination of the year! I feasted here on the freshest seafood and found two of my favorite restaurants: Kawayanan Grill and Bistro Coron (more on them in another post). Breakfasts would find us enjoying Continental fare at the bistro and talking to the Swiss owner, Bruno. Nights would find us hanging out at Kawayanan with its individual nipa huts, native ornaments and great-tasting, affordable dishes.

Coron is also an ideal jump-off point for trips to Culion (site of the former penal colony), Busuanga Island and the Calauit Safari but I guess these all give us reason to go back a second time! One lesson I learned: fly there on good weather

A stay in any of the beach resorts in Pundaquit (also spelled Pundakit), San Antonio, Zambales is a must if you’re going island-hopping around Capones, Camara and Anawangin, Cove. The number of resorts in the area has really grown and expect a few being built to reach completion as the area becomes a must-visit beach destination. In the days of the US bases, San Antonio was the site of the US military’s San Miguel Naval Communication Station, and even Anawangin was just their practice grounds then.

Our tour guide billetted us at the Canoe Beach Resort. I have no complaints about this place since it was simple and no frills – just the way we liked it. The centerpiece of Canoe is its huge pool, and of course the beachfront. There’s also a large barbecue pit for the use of the guests and it’s good since this means you can cook your food for free! Otherwise, there’s a separate pavilion where the coffeeshop is located. I liked taking my meals here since it has the view of both the pool and the captivating San Antonio mountains.

Here’s one picture I took of the beach after sunset. I like scenes like this since it makes me admire the rustic beauty of this country:

The next day, we went on a day trip to the much-talked about resort in Pundakit called Punta de Uian. At 19 hectares with another 20-hectare expansion, the place is indeed huge. It would tire one to go through the whole property without the aid of a vehicle.

“Grand” is the word to describe Punta de Uian, although it was kinda weird to see religious figurines all over and no recurring theme in terms of the furniture and interiors. Was thinking to myself that this place would really have been world-class if they hired professionals like an architect and topnotch interior designers.

A word about Punta de Uian. The resort is owned by a Filipino who won the lottery in the US so you can just imagine how the money they’ve spent in the resort is just a “drop in the bucket,” LOL. Uian is also the name of their only daughter, and that’s how the resort was named.

Things to do here: see the Igorot Village, use mini-all terrain vehicle and engage in all kinds of water activities.

Canoe Beach Resort
Mobile no. 09178810029
emil canoe_beachresort@yahoo.com

Rates:

Beachfront room (good for 2) P1,500
Poolside room (good for 2) 1,800
Dorm room (good for 10) 4,000

Punta de Uian
Telephone No. (047) 252-2692
Mobile No. 0918-888-UIAN

Rates:

Standard room P3,410 ++
Mountain View room 4,180
Suite with jacuzzi 6,600
(other rooms available)

A trip to Anawangin wouldn’t be complete without dropping by the adjoining islands, namely Capones and Camara. We were supposed to go to Camara first, but the waves proved too strong for our banca (outrigger boat) to dock and so we hopped over to Capones instead. It’s a good 20 to 30-minute ride away from our hotel in Barangay Pundaquit, depending on the weather. Along the way, you will not get bored and just admire the scenery because the sight of the vast blue sea and majestic mountains are simply breathtaking.

Finally, we arrive in Capones island which is made remarkable by huge boulders of rock. I admire the formations here because it looks like a sculptural work of art. Because the harsh noonday sun was beating down on us, hubby and I take refuge in a rocky shade and even enjoy a power nap. Waking up at an unholy hour that morning made us tired, and taking a rest here meant we were ready to embrace the cradle of Mother Nature.

Of course, Capones island is most famous for its 18th century lighthouse which primarily functioned as a beacon for seagoing vessels during the old days. From the beach, the lighthouse was a good one hour trek away. However, climbing the lighthouse is a must. Going to the top via a winding spiral staircase affords one the best views ever!