Sharing with you my passion for life through Food, Travel, Arts and Love. =) A devotee of Ms. Elsie De Wolfe: “I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life.”
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! =)
Holland Park
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. =)
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.
Mini mini mini mo!
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.
Two lovely ladies!
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.
Yum!
We also tried their Pinakbet. And we liked it.
Veggies!
We also had Crispy beef tadyang (ribs).
Crispy 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.
It was a winner. We especially liked the milky ice, it is so fine and no feel of ice bits.
Truly a Summer treat!
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 opted for cakes!
We had Chocolate indulgence cake and of course, blueberry cheesecake.
And we’re back to work with smiles.
In a different occasion, we’ve tried these equally delicious treats:
Happy tummies! =)
There are more than 50 branches of Kuya J nationwide. One could be just near you. =)
“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.
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.
Welcome arch is a tradition for me..The signage…
Balay Indang is a 5-hectare lot of massive flora. I’ve mused on numerous rare species of very pretty flowers in all colors.
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.
Aaaw! They dedicated a room for us! Lol!Lanai ng Balay…Spanish era..Vigan tiles..Can’t help but look up!Cutie pie!
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.
Signages…Happiness!It’s hers next month..=)Yey!Lunch time..=)
So this is what we feasted on:
In less than 10 minutes… our food were served…
Fried rice with teeny weeny bits of carrots.
With teeny weeny carrot bits…
Chicken – Inasal style.
Chicken – Inasal style..
Oatmeal coated shrimp balls was the winner on the table.
Winner! (–,)
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.
Greens! =)
Beef Caldereta. Flavorful and very tender.
Loved the chorizos here..
Gising-gising is another chance for us to have veggies. =) (Oh my, I don’t have a picture of it!)
Baked Cream dory in cheese.
Baked in Parmesan cheese..
And pancit (for the celebrant’s long prosperous life) utilizing sotanghon instead of the typical bijon.
Pancit sotanghon for Tere’s long & prosperous life! (–,)
We had fresh Dalandan juice, we consumed a number of pitchers.
Thirst quenching, not too sweet for me..
And a very soft maja for dessert.
Happy birthday Tere! =)
Total of six sissies!Bday girl’s is the biggest one! ehehe
The talks were non-stop, from while traveling, eating, taking photos at every chance, laughter in between. Even inside the loo. Even jump shots!
Mirrors became our favorite too..One of my favorites! This certainly “Look up” mode!Vintage mirror..And this doll! Ahaha!Fun side of these two..=)
May relo ba jan? lol!
And we were like kids during the 30 minute trek, wandering and wondering. It is doubtlessly moments created out of sterling friendship.
Bday girl! ❤
Our photos might have give justice to it.
Happy birthday Theresa!!! Now we’re all looking forward to (Jhona) our youngest’s bash, where and when we will do it, is yet to be known. #excited
Our friendship has always been one of our life’s greatest blessings!
ps
We wouldn’t want another group chats reaching 400 plus messages. Lol!