Bag of Beans Tagaytay: Not just an Ordinary Bread Shop

After our expensive, but hearty meal in RSM, we decided to drink coffee. Not just in Starbucks or Figaro, but in a coffee shop worth the travel. I have heard of a place in Tagaytay recommended by one of my former officemates. She said the breads and cinnamon rolls are freshly baked daily and the cheesecake was to die for. So, we rode an ordinary bus going to Alfonso and told the conductor to make a stop for Bag of Beans for us to get down and surprisingly, they know the place and they even told us many people usually go down on that bread shop and restaurant.

When we arrived at the place, we first went inside the bread shop. Inside we saw loaves of breads with different flavors. We also saw, and smelled, the welcoming aroma of cinnamon rolls and ensaymadas. The lady in the counter said we need to go down the stairs at the side of the bread shop to reach the restaurant.

The restaurant is as cozy as ever! It was only screened so the warm sun was the main source of light and breeze for the place. There were tables and chairs as well as sofa's and a comfy sala set where me and my Doms sat and ordered our dessert and coffee. The ceiling was covered with white drapes and the presence of plants and nature was all over the place. There were lots of people dining there: families, friend, lovers. Everybody has a relaxed aura inside the restaurant.

The happy waiter of Bag of Beans gave us the menu so we can choose. The menu had a variety of pastas, sandwiches, meals, desserts and coffee and juices. Doms and I choose the best seller among the choices, that is, brewed coffee and blueberry cheesecake.

When our oder came, I had to stop myself from taking a part of the cheesecake and tasting it already because Doms needs ta take a picture of the ensemble. The look of the dessert was heavenly and very tempting. When Doms was done doing his thing of taking pictures first of what we eat, I took a piece of the cheesecake and shoved it inside my mouth as fast as I can. Hehehehehe, it's a good thing Doms was not able to take a picture of that. =) The cheesecake tasted how I imagined cheesecake will taste. I was homemade and not yet commercialized that is why it has its "homey" taste. The sweetness was just right and and the blueberry topping was very right with it.

Then came our coffee. It came with fresh milk and brown sugar. Doms was the one who added them to his taste he was the one who made the stir. When I tasted his finished product, huh?, it tasted very good and unique. The combination of the cheesecake and the coffee was very nice! After that wonderful dessert and coffee, Doms took pictures of the place and we headed of to our next adventure.

So, next time you visit Tagaytay city, make sure to make a stop in Bag of Beans to feel and taste the experience. It's just along Alfonso. =)

RSM Tagaytay: Lutong Bahay with a price of a hotel

During our recent adventure in Tagaytay last October 6 and 7, 2007, Doms and I decided to try restos, coffee shops and Inns in that city. Our first stop of dining was RSM Lutong Bahay. It is just across our hotel and all we need to do is to cross the road.
The exterior of the restaurant was very inviting, just like all the other restos in Tagaytay. The motif of RSM is a combination of country and the ambiance of a turo-turo or canteen here in Manila, a "sosyal" turo-turo for short. With a Taal Lake view and ambiance, making it sosyal.

We were there around 11am, too early for lunch, so there were only a few people eating there. We were greeted by warm smiles and nice hospitality by the staff. They led us to a row of food where Doms and I just couldn't focus on one dish to another. There were all kinds of grilled cuisines, from Tilapia, Bangus, Labahita to Liempo, pork chops, BBQs and Pusit. There were also a lot of ulams with aromas that made our stomachs grumble from hunger. among those include: Laing, Bulalo, Sweet and Sour Pork, Paksiw, Pinakbet, Chopsuey and many, many more, I already forgot. What caught our attention more are the food that we ordered, Inihaw na Tilapia (pinaputok), Pork Binagoongan and Saba con Yelo. Add 3 servings of garlic rice and 2 iced teas.

The grilled Tilapia was so tender and there were a lot of garnish stuffed inside the fish, which made it more lovely to eat. The Pork Binagoongan tasted how exactly I imagined it, pati sauce ulam na! Then came the saba con yelo. It was soo huge, a family of 4 would be full to finish it up. Doms and I were so full and stuffed by all the food we had to take in. We were satisfied by what we had that lunch, but crashed when we saw our bill.

Pinaputok na Tilapia = P225
Pork Binagoongan = P250
Saba Con Yelo = P150
Garlic Rice = P120 (P40ea)
Iced Tea (not bottomless) = P120 (P60ea)

All in all, our total bill was around P950. We were a little, no actually, we were confused by how expensive the food was, considering we just ate 2 variants of food and a dessert. But, all has been said and done and we were just laughing about that experience. At least, we were able to share it to you guys how the food was, the "price" you need to pay for it.

After that shocking "bill-paying", Doms took pictures of the area and the vicinity. It was hard for him to take pictures of Taal because it was soo foggy and it kept on raining.

Here are some information about RSM Lutong Bahay:
Contact number: (046) 8602297
It is located along the Highway from Rotonda going to Nasugbu (Sorry, forgot the whole address)

Cloud 9 Resort Trip

The bad weather didn't stop us from our adventure. Although it was a bit raining that day because of Typhoon Egay, we still continued our plan to have an advaneture for this month and we choose Cloud 9 resort at Sumulong, Antipolo Rizal. This is my second time to visit the place. To get there, go to Cubao and take the LRT2 going to Santolan station and ride a taxi up to Cloud 9 Resort. The one hour travel going there is no hassle. An aircon room good for two costs 1800p overnight with breakfast which was not bad after all. Cloud 9 has great food but a little pricey and expensive but the serving is much.

We had a scenic view of the metro and the Laguna part while eating, which made our stay more romantic. Cloud 9 has a huge place for activities and cool rooms to stay. Till the next adventure!

Cloud 9 Resort..
Sumulong Highway, Antipolo Rizal
Around 1hr travel from cubao. 45mns if you took LRT.
Contact Number: 3963018/3963019

Adventure: Casa San Pablo

Last 7-7-7, Doms and I were planning of a getaway. Partly because it was an extension of my 24th birthday and partly because we wanted to have rest and time off. We were supposed to go to Antipolo and try our luck in Cloud 9. But, when we were in the process of looking for the "perfect" getaway, we came across Casa San Pablo.

Casa San Pablo, is located in San Pablo City in Laguna. It is a 2 hour drive from Cubao. Jam Liner Transit, P110/head. The bus ride was ok, it was fast actually. Landmarks of the place include San Pablo Medical Center and Chowking. Once you arrive in thses locations, take a ride in a tricycle and say Kay Inay resort where Casa San Pablo is located.



When we arrived there, it was raining. But, the rain didn't hide the beauty of Casa San Pablo. It enhanced it more! The grass was much more moist and it was greener. Even if the hammocks were set aside, you can still see the simple beauty of the resort. The pool was very inviting. the rooms were very comfy and sureal.


Rooms were designed uniquely and beautifully. It was like a vintage flashback. The room was very comfy and dimly lit and it was very romantic and sensual.



Our stay there caused us P1500 that included all access to the pool, a very beautiful and sensual room and lunch. The pouring rain made our stay there more romantic. Hehehe..

Here are the contact numbers of the owner Boots and An Alcantara 09178126687 and 09209624083.

The next time you want a very happy day trip, try to visit Casa San Pablo.

Movie: Transformers

Last weekend, Doms and I went out of our way just to watch the much anticipated movie, Transformers. We decided to watch the movie in Trinoma Mall.

I was able to arrive early in the mall because I came with my family first. So, I went straight to the cinema to buy tickets. To my amazment, the line for Transformers was reaching up to the open garden near the cinemaas in Trinoma. All sorts of people, big and small, young and old, fat and thin, were there, waiting in line, hoping to get the movie schedule they want. I readily lined up to the shortest line and got the 2:50pm schedule, since my Doms will be arriving at Trinoma after a shoot in Manila.

After meeting up with Doms and eating before the movie, we went straight to the cinema. It was at least 30 minutes before the movie starts and people were already in line in front of the cinema. Talk about excited people. But, we were also there in line. We even saw Wency Cornejo in line with his kid.

The trailers were usually my favorite part of watching a movie, but at that time, I was already reeling for the trailers to end and the movie to start. All in all, the movie was packed with actions scenes and stunts. There were a lot of explosions and fires and effects. For us, there was no problem in that area. Everything in the action scenes and fight scenes of the robots, expecially Megatron and Optimus Prime's fight was A ok. The issue came with the movie editing. There were some parts of the movie were I believe was cut or too over rated. I feel they want to add a lot of action in the movie that they neglected the flow of the movie. Like the part where the computer specialists came. I was just surprised that that scene came in right away with no warning or introduction. one scene the military was talking then next came that computer specialists part. If there was a nice transition for that part and some others I can't remember, the movie would have been smooth and flowing.

In summary, we give the movie Transformers a (* * * * *) or 5 five stars. We don't care about the freakin flaw for editing, it was one hell of a movie and we liked it. Hehehehe...

'Til the next movie... Happy movie watching!!!

Event: Immerse Your Shutters to the Limit

Last May 26, 2007 was the first ever outdoor model shoot of Doms EON Photography/SxIS Army. It was held in Mamarco Beach Resort in Tany, Rizal.

I really believe that this event was well attended. During the meet up of the army in Jolibee Julio Vargas, we were able to occupy almost half of the place. It was a fun site though. All the tables in that fastfood had photographers talking about cameras, gadgets, shoots and angles. At first, they can be mistaken as simple people who are going on an outing. But, as the time passed waiting, one by one, they brought out their own cameras and talked about it like eager kids. There were also tables for the models for the shoot. Sophisticated girls with their make-up artists.

After 3 hours of waiting for everyone to arrive, the travel going to the resort took place. It was a long travel. We were assigned in a van with 10 other photographers. It was fun riding with them. There was no silent moment in the van and everyone was happy and cheerful and of course excited.

I forgot how long we took before we arrived in the resort. At this point, the sun was shying away from the clouds already. We were able to eat a wonderful lunch in the cottages of the resort. Some of the photographers roamed around the resort while others chatted and some even ate. The models had their own corner where they started make-up. Me and my Doms explored the place.

It was a beautiful place actually. It was newly built and you can still see carpenters building more cottages and villas for overnight stays in the resort. The pool is big with beautiful waters. There were a lot of trees and beautiful sceneries and sites.

When the army was about to take their first shoot of the models, the rain started to pour. It was a bad timing for the rain this time. It rained like it was not summer and everyone was hiding the cottages. But, this didn't stop the photographers. They still continued the shoot even if it is raining. They asked models to shoot in the rain. And, gladly, they agreed.

It was really fun watching the photographers cramming to take pictures of the model wihle raining. They had their umbrellas and usually they walk in twos, one photograper was taking picutres while the other holding the umbrella.

I say my Doms was able to get good pictures given the situation. At around 6pm, we alread left the place going bakc to Manila. All in all, it was really a fun day not only for me and Doms but also the photographers, models and other guests who joined.

Here is the web site of Mamarco Resort in Tanay, Rizal:

http://momarcoresort.com/about.html

Thanks! =)

Potipot Adventure

Last May 11, 12, 13, 2007, we decided to spend our summer vacation exploring the beach capital of the north, Zambales.

Around March, we were already looking for a place to stay and a place to discover. We were on a phone bazaar calling resorts in Batangas, Laguna, Bataan, even in Cavite. We were on a mission to look for a place, book it and make plans for the transportaion before the weekend of that month ends. But, sad to say it was already after Holy Week that we found the "perfect place" for this vacation.

Then we came across a suggestion of going to Candelaria Zambales, the drop off point if travellers are planning to go to Potipot Island. I remember we were envisioning that we need a quiet place, where we can bond and relax with no one watching and peering to what we are doing. For begginers, we just wanted a place that is different. I already heard this place from one of my officemates here. So, I have a background and some good opinions about that place. I also know that in going to that island, you have two major options: one is to rent a place in a neighboring resort or two, camp to the island perse. Of course the eyes of Doms, being a true blood adventurer, twinkled with the idea of camping in a remote island. But, weighing consequences, pros and cons, we decided to just rent a place in a resort. Luckiliy, Doms had a friend who went to Potipot already but they stayed in a different resort, Sunbloom Resort.

When the day came of our trip, there were no hassles. Well, except for the morning of our trip. We have no idea where the bus terminal in Caloocan is, but we were bale to manage. The terminal in Caloocan goes straight to Candelaria and we need not buy the tickets ahead of time, we just need to arrive early, and we did.

Our trip from Caloocan to Candelaria was a grueling ride for almost 8 hours. I have no complaints in the bus because the bus that we had was a new bus with a "foldable" lcd tv screen in the ceiling for movies. But, the bus stops in all the provinces that we passed by and all the barangays in each province made it hard and looong! Add the political campaigns of candidates sums up to 8 hours. Good thing we have our Ipod, pizza left-over and chips, (isama mo na yung movie na "isang bala ka lang II), we had fun.

We arrived in Candelaria with the rain starting to pour on us. The bus just dropped us off the road where it says "Sunbloom Resort" and we have to walk. By the time we arrived in the resort, the rain was already pouring. But, Ate Marcy, (the OIC of Sunbloom), was welcoming enough. She made us choose our room and she even cooked lunch for us. After our hearty lunch, we just rested and relaxed in our room until it's time for dinner. We already planned that our dinner will be spent in the neighboring resort's resto. So, we just went there. We had a comparison between the two resorta while we were eating in the neighboring resort's resto. We were happy in Sunbloom. The other resort seemed too public already. There were a lot of people there and the place wasn't that clean, The rooms were not as cozy as sunbloom's and the place was smelly. I believe it was like that because there are a lot of people in this certain resort.

The next day came and this was our scheduled visit to Potipot. We left Sunbloom at aound 11:00 am, headed for the island, with the goal of spending the day there, waiting for the sunset, hugging each other. The boat ride going to the island costs P400 and there was an entrance fee of P20/person in the isalnd.

When we arrived there, there lots of people already. There were tents, umbrellas, mats, drinks and food! Yep, you can bring food on the island. If you are from Sunbloom, you ask Ate Marcy to prepare food and dring the food in the island again, of course with an additional fee for the "bangka man". The front part of the island, where the boat dropped us off, was the part where there are waves and the sand is much finer. On the other side, the sea was calm and this is where families usually stay because the shore was flat. On the rear part of the isalnd, comes the rocky part. We were able to circle the isalnd for only 20 minutes walk. Cool! Sadly, we were not able to see the sunset in the island beacuse it rained and because it was cloudy.

All in all, the trip waas ok. Aside ffrom the idea that it rained almost all the time, the sun peeked it's way to us also, and we enjoyed it's radiance. Here are some information about our trip, that hopefully can help. =)

Sunbloom Resort = 09165439709 c/o Ate Marcy. You need to deposit half of the total amount for reservation. The rent costs P1,100/night. You can also rent a mini ref for P150/day. Tables for eating is also the same price.
Dawal Rsort = 09195730952
Boat Ride going to island = P400
Victory Liner Caloocan to Candelaria = P343/head one way