CAVITE – On Purple Wings

Thank God TGIF is a few minutes away from me!

July 8, 2018August 3, 2018 by beautsantua, posted in Thank God TGIF is a few minutes away from me

Thank God TGIF is a few minutes away from me!

tgif 1 — Photo grabbed from: http://pluspng.com/png-70142.html

Like a watchdog, I carefully monitored the progress of this Lifestyle center – Southwoods City in Carmona, Cavite.

It is only 15 minutes away from my place. It is developed by Megaworld, and if it’s Megaworld, you should expect it to be grand.

Captured this while walking at Southwoods City. =) Pretty right?

When it opened, some shops are still closed, and still under-construction, but the fact that TGIF is one of those to open, I got so excited, because the nearest one is still in Alabang, which is roughly less than an hour away from me. I was looking forward for a Bread shop too, just that. And TGIF.

We immediately visited after its’ soft opening and just the same, we had a fun like it’s Friday! =)

We had these:

While waiting for our orders, we were served by their usual complimentary nachos with salsa.

I also wanted to try the chipotle. Maybe next time.

There are more than 20 branches nationwide, if you want to see more details, you can check them out from their website: http://www.fridays.com.ph/

Happy Friday! =)

At Southwoods City, like what a township should be, it is designed to make all your needs, just within your reach. Literally live, work, play and learn there. =)

Another Pinoy pride: Kuya J!

April 23, 2016March 26, 2018 by beautsantua, posted in KUYA J - Another Pinoy pride!

Another Pinoy pride: Kuya J!

And so it seems that the popularity of Authentic Filipino restaurants like Dencio’s and Gerry’s Grill reached that leverage of being imitated by many.

The tarpaulin ad of “Kuya J” is so distracting when we passed by SM Dasmarinas, Cavite on our way to visit some clients.

It is almost lunch-time and we opted to have our lunch there after one more client visit.

The temperature lately in the Philippines is so unbearable as we are not used to it, even if we are a Tropical country, with scorching winds, even if we’re in a province, it made us rush to the nearest mall. And to the nearest food stall.

And we ended up at “Kuya J”. Upon review of their menu, it is like a newer version of what you will see from Gerry’s grill or Dencio’s.

And while I was reviewing the menu, my colleagues are interviewing the attendant if the “J” stands for Jericho (he is the official model of their ads, he is a famous heartthrob in our country), just like asking if Jericho owns “Kuya J” and we were informed that he is just a model and the restaurant is owned by a Chinese Businessman based in Cebu.

And we’ve had what?

We opted to try their Kare-kareng Bagnet. I (or we) didn’t like the shrimp paste (bagoong) that much.

We also tried their Pinakbet. And we liked it.

We also had Crispy beef tadyang (ribs).

I personally like the vinegar, it has a tasteful flavor. I am not much into vinegar sauces, but this one I was able to tolerate.

For dessert, we all wished for the fried halo-halo, it is not just available at that time so they ordered for the real one.

halo 2 — Photo courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/KuyaJResto/

It was a winner. We especially liked the milky ice, it is so fine and no feel of ice bits.

Since we didn’t get our fried halo-halo, we asked the attendant if there’s a corkage should we bring food from another establishment, and they said it’s okay.

Calling it a hefty lunch essentials. We had our finale. Two different cakes from Cakes by Kat.

We had Chocolate indulgence cake and of course, blueberry cheesecake.

kj choco cake

kj bb cheesecake

And we’re back to work with smiles.

In a different occasion, we’ve tried these equally delicious treats:

kuya-j-crispy-pata

kuya-j-salad

Happy tummies! =)

There are more than 50 branches of Kuya J nationwide. One could be just near you. =)

BALAY INDANG, Finally..=)

October 11, 2015March 10, 2018 by beautsantua, posted in Somewhere in Cavite is BALAY INDANG

Finally, Balay Indang…

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, however, only those who are true friends will stay…”

It has been months that we have been eyeing to spend one of our birthdays at this cozy locale in Cavite – Balay Indang. And due again to schedules that won’t meet, we had to postponed it, until finally, It is Theresa’s birthday this month of October, so we all agreed to do it at Balay Indang.

here we come — Chel to drive with 5 back-seat drivers!Lol!

It is a less than 2 hour drive taking the new MCX, we went straight to Trese Martirez and after reaching the junction at Tagaytay, we turned right several times (Savemore and Mendez) and 30 minutes after, we’ve reached our destination.

indang arc — Welcome arch is a tradition for me..

Balay Indang is a 5-hectare lot of massive flora. I’ve mused on numerous rare species of very pretty flowers in all colors.

reds — The orange petals blended with Theresa’s blouse..Beautiful!

Big and small trees with leaves in different shapes and varying shades of green. Being around it, nature per se, is truly beguiling. Like it was rendered by an artist in an all natural crisp palette that went well with the country-side like setting on this secluded part of Indang, Cavite.

It is a Bed and Breakfast destination meant for those who really needs peace and quiet or that so called R&R (rest and relaxation). Once you are there, as we were, it is just between the sound of silence or the sound of frolicking leaves.

bahay matalino — Aaaw! They dedicated a room for us! Lol!

They also accommodate Retreat activities and the place is just so right. I just learned it later prompted by my wondering of seeing several Holy bibles in the area. There are 17 rooms, a pool, some gazebos, some cabanas, even a vast hall probably to hold events like birthdays and weddings for big groups.

The staff are friendly as expected, they will instantly greet you with an anticipated smile on their faces, and even if you are enjoying your own moment, you can’t help but greet them back. As I have been observing them, they all too must love their surroundings. I am amazed how positively genuine ardor can nature provide to anyone who see through its’ beauty. It reminds me of this famous saying: “May the force be with you.”

And so some force led us to the dining area. Lol! It’s time to make our tummies happy. It was a long trip anyway.

So this is what we feasted on:

spread — In less than 10 minutes… our food were served…

Fried rice with teeny weeny bits of
carrots.

Chicken – Inasal style.

Oatmeal coated shrimp balls was the winner on the table.

Among those on the spread, the green salad is my personal favorite. I especially love their vinaigrette, the mixture worked for me and I guess with everyone else too.