A Farm-to-Table Dining Experience at Sisterfields Tagaytay

Tagaytay is a well known place for weekend vacationers for so many reasons. One, is because it is accessible to Manilenos. Second, it's much colder there and the view is undeniably spectacular. Lastly, because of great food! In fact, Tagaytay has evolved and become a food haven due to vastly growing restaurants rising in this town. And as for this blog post, let me highlight a restaurant which happens to be in Tagaytay making astonishing and unique dishes. It is called the Sisterfields, one of the newest concept restaurants by The Cravings Group.

How to get there?
Sisterfields is within the vicinity of Summit Ridge Hotel and just one bus ride away if you'll be taking the bus terminal at Coastal Mall in Para�aque. Just take the route going to Tagaytay or Batangas and just ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Summit Ridge Hotel. The hotel is a distinct spot in Tagaytay so bus conductors surely know the place.

As you alight at Summit Ridge Hotel, you'll find Sisterfields near the main entrance. If you'll look at it from the outside, you may persuade that the restaurant is just a small one. But once you get inside of Sisterfields, you'll be surprise how spacious it is and surely delight its decors and overall design. It has this homey vibe which will not make you feel intimidated while dining in. Most of the materials used were woods painted in white which screams simplicity yet elegance. The lighting of Sisterfields is grand. They used woven chandeliers all over the place which adds to a cozier feel.

Welcome to Sisterfields

The paintings on the wall accentuate well to the restaurant's overall vibe

In terms of food options, Sisterfields anchors its concept on three important tenets. First is the farm-to-fork (organic selection of fruits and vegetables from Tagaytay); Second is the pasture-to-plate (from Batangas beef to Tagaytay tawilis) and lastly, the crop-to-cup (featuring ethically produced Di Bella coffee). Diners who come all the way from Manila or near provinces will definitely appreciate that there is no fanciful gimmick in Sisterfields. As a farm-to-table restaurant concept, the ingredients are the main star. You will appreciate the goodness of home-cooked comfort food but elevated up in a way that it will the dishes distinctly unique.

Now let me tour you to some of the dishes we tasted during our visit at Sisterfields. [Bon appetit!]

Tinapa Spring Rolls

Marinated Corn and Tomato Salad with Field Greens and Green Goddess Dressing

My girlfriend's personal favorite -- Roasted Squash Soup with Spinach

Forgot the name of this dish... sorry.

Penne Pasta with Longganisa and Mushroom

Linguini Pasta with Herbed Shrimps and Fennel

Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado Crema and Pico de Gallo

Sisterfields Burger with Fried Egg Maple Glaze Bacon

Sticky Baby Back Ribs with Coleslaw and Mashed Potato

The stand out dishes for me were the Tinapa Spring Rolls and the Sticky Baby Back Ribs. That was the first time I taste a spring roll where tinapa is used as the main ingredient. I find the dish brilliant and the taste was unexpected. It has this balance saltiness that is just right in the bud. Plus, the sauce served with it will give you an extra kick of sweetness and sourness combined. All the flavors I mentioned fooled my mind and tongue in a right kind of way.

As per the Sticky Baby Back Ribs, what I like to highlight is the tenderness of the meat. You can easily slice a portion of it without even using your knife. Also, I am not a fan of mashed potato but I have to give credits to Sisterfields because I became one and that is due to their own version of this side dish. The mashed potato was mixed on egg which I find flavorful and delightful. Having a slice of the rib's meat and a scoop of mashed potato made me feels like I am already in heaven! Flavors explode in the mouth with this combination!

Sisterfields Ice Cream -- Pineapple Tarragon

I had a fun dining experience at Sisterfields. My tongue went wild in a positive way on the unique dishes this restaurant offered to us. The creativity put on each meal really blends well and serves us well. We left the place with a smile on our faces.

Enjoy the goodness of comfort food elevated with new flavors right in Sisterfields, located at Summit Ridge Hotel, Km. 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City, Philippines.  For more info, call 240-6888 or visit www.facebook.com/Sisterfields and www.summithotels.ph.

A Review: Henann Resort Alona Beach of Panglao, Bohol

Henann is a known group which offers world-class accommodations and top-notch service. They made a statement when they constructed their first luxury resort in the beautiful island of Boracay. And just last year of August, they expanded in Bohol where they opened a 6.5 hectare of property. The resort sits at Panglao, Bohol and along the pristine shores of Alona Beach. Henann Resort Alona Beach currently reigns as the biggest resort in the island of Panglao. And with that, I was so curious what it feels like to stay in this kind of resort. So, as for my girlfriend's birthday, I convinced her and her family to book at Henann since we will be celebrating it in Bohol. Luckily, they agreed!

How to get there?

Like what I have stated above, Henann Resort Alona Beach is located in Panglao. So, if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Alona beach in Panglao. Taxi ride may costs you 600-700 Pesos. But if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Henann Resort Alona Beach is so popular in the area and drivers know where exactly it is located.

Welcome to Henann Resort Alona Beach of Bohol

The Room

The 6.5 hectare resort of Henann has 400 spacious, world-class rooms and 12 Pool Villas. And during our stay, we booked one of their Premier Room. A Premier Room rates at 6, 753.60 PhP per night which can accommodate a maximum of 3 persons. However the free buffet breakfast is only good for 2 persons. We we're four during this trip, therefore we paid extra to fully experience Henann. Below is the computation of our stay for 4 persons for 3 nights (and 4 days): 

Again, the room costs 6,753.60 PhP per night. Since we stayed there for 3 nights, total room costs was 20,260.80 PhP. The buffet breakfast is only good for 2 persons. So as for the buffet breakfast of the 3rd person, we paid 549 PhP each day. It will be multiplied by three since we had 3 breakfasts during our stay, so total cost was 1,647 PhP. It doesn't stop there. Since we were 4 on that trip. The 4th person paid another 1,500 PhP for the extra bed and buffet breakfast. In which has an additional total cost of 4,500 PhP. In short, we paid a total of 26,407.80 PhP for our 3 nights stay (good for 4 pax). Now, enough with the math and let's go back to the room we availed...

Premier Room (Photo from Henann website)

Our room is located in the 4th floor and since it is a Premier room, its veranda is facing the Pool/beach side. Yet before we even reach our room, I already set my expectations high. We paid a lot just for this vacation plus this resort is known for being luxurious so I guess it's just fair. So as we entered our room, at first I was just nodding my head up and down because what I am seeing that time satisfied my high expectation. It was clean, cozy and well ventilated but what exceeds the bar are the view of the veranda plus the bathroom part of the room. The view from our veranda is merely breathtaking! We have a view of their massive, modern styled pools which is so pleasing to stare and stayed at. I know its funny, but I was also amazed with their bathroom. It was so big and spacious that another person can occupy comfortably. It has a dedicated space for bathtub and shower area, a big area for sink and mirrors with hair dryer, and of course another big space for the toilet. Everything on that bathroom is big and spacious!

View from our room's veranda

The only issue I encountered was the poor WIFI connection. Well, I do have my own data plan so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.

You may also want to try their Direct Access Pool rooms

Amenities

Dining Areas, Cafes and Bars. Henann Resort Alona Beach has a lot of dining areas and bars scattered accordingly. One of them that we personally experienced was the Coral Cafe. It is where the buffet breakfast is hold every 6 in the morning till 10. Although the cafe serves the same food during breakfast on our whole stay, we don't mind it. Why? Because there are so much varieties to choose from plus the fact that it tastes great as well. They serve breads such as pandesal and ensaymada. Dried fishes like dangit and daing. The usual breakfast food like eggs (sunny side up, scrambled, etc), ham and bacon. Soups were served as well. Tons of different drinks (about 5 to 6 kinds of juices, coffee and hot chocolate). Fruits like sweet mango, watermelon, and more. Plus desserts. Plus these and that! Really so much to choose from! Also not to mention that the staff in Coral Cafe are very accommodating and friendly. Not bad for a 549 PhP worth of meal.

View if you decided to grab some snack

As for the bars, what fascinated me, are the sunken bars located on each pool. These sunken bars are literally located in the pool. So you don't have to get out of the pool just to get a drink and some snack. It's actually pretty convenient.

Each pool has its own sunken bar

Let's have a closer look of the sunken bar

Pools and Beach. Henann has these 3 massive pools that you will surely enjoy! One of the pools are located in the middle of the resort's buildings. This is the view that are usually seen on Premier rooms and Direct pool access rooms. While the other 2 pools are located just before you reach the Alona Beach. Each pools has towel stations where you can borrow towels while you swim in the pool or in the beach. So there's no need to bring your own towel or the towel from your room.

Dip in the beach or at the pool?

A piece of heaven on Earth...

My tour guide. Haha

Alona beach is just a few steps away from the resort. In fact Henann is a beach front resort. Also, there are beach umbrellas in the shore of Alona provided by Henann in case you want to stay in the beach watching the sun rise, as it sets or just wanted to get those skin tanned.

Ready to get tanned?

Others. Other amenities you can find at Henann Resort Alona Beach are spa, fitness center with gym, airport transfers, souvenir shop, laundry service, foreign currency exchange, convention/business center, and printer, fax, and photo copying services.

The receiving area

Overall Experience

Henann Resort Alona Beach live up to its name as a luxury hotel with top notch services. Our room was maintained clean everyday by the house keepers, it was well ventilated and the beds have a comfortable bedding. The foods they serve in their cafe tastes great and in wide varieties. We were always full every time we walked out on Coral Cafe which was a nice way to start our mornings. The place is really perfect for vacation. There was even a day where we just actually lay in our room and just enjoy the pools. We really enjoyed our whole 3 nights stay. It was definitely an excellent choice to stay at while in Bohol. 

Breakdown of Expenses:

Room - 6,753.60 PhP per night x 3 nights = 20,260.80 PhP

Breakfast of the 3rd person - 549 PhP each day x 3 days = 1,647 PhP

Extra bed for the 4th person (with breakfast) - 1,500 PhP per night x 3 nights = 4,500 PhP

= a total of 26,407.80 PhP for 3 nights stay (good for 4 pax)

** Room rates may vary over time...

Island Hopping in Panglao, Bohol: Alona Beach, Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island and Virgin Island

If you think that the province of Bohol is just about old churches, hills, tarsiers and all on land travels, well, better think again. As this province is also blessed by stunning beaches, rich marine life and incredible islands and islets. In fact, Panglao is an island in the southwest region of Bohol which is famous for island hopping activity. The island hopping covers a visit to Alona Beach, Balicasag Island and the Virgin Island. Along side, some of the activities you can do during island hopping are: dolphin-watching, fish feeding, snorkeling and of course swimming.

How to get there?

Going to Panglao - if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Panglao. Taxi ride may costs you 500-600 Pesos. Or if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Inform the driver to drop you at Alona beach as that will be your jump off point for this island hopping activity. Alona beach is a well known spot in Panglao so most of the drivers know where it is located. Island Hopping Tour - Once you've reach Alona beach, there are bunch of agents/boatmen which will approach you that offers island tour. Price ranges from 1800 - 2600 pesos depending on the season (off peak season is of course much cheaper than peak season). This is the time where you should use your haggling technique. 

You may contact Kuya Bernie for Panglao service and island hopping tour at 0999-929-8445. Tagbilaran to Panglao charge is 500 Pesos. Island Hopping Tour charge is 2,500 pesos. Both are at group expense and NOT per head.

With our bangkero

Alona Beach

The busy shore of Alona Beach

Just like what I've stated before, Alona Beach will be the starting point of your island hopping adventure. It is usually the area where you will be picked up by your boat. But aside from that, Alona beach is also a nice beach to for you to relax. Alona beach has this long shore which is characterized by creamy white sand. The water here is pretty clear which is perfect for swimming! There are also a lot of hotels along the shore as well as restaurants just in case you decided to stay a couple of days in Panglao.

Alona Beach during night time

Dolphin Watching

Trip start very early in the morning

Island hopping adventure in Panglao usually starts at 6 am or earlier and it is due to the dolphin watching activity included on most of the package. As per our boatmen, dolphins are only visible early in the morning. In fact, if you happen to see a dolphin around 8 am then you're one lucky person. So I strongly encourage you to wake up early and be there on time for you not to missed this activity.

However, although we we're on the right spot and time where dolphins are usually seen, we still had a hard time to see them. Our boat was sailing round and round hoping to see even a single dolphin. After sailing for almost 30minutes, thank God that He heard our prayers and wish that day! We're blessed because we did not only saw a single dolphin but we found a group of dolphins swimming along. Once we had them in sight, we started chasing them on different directions which is kind of crazy yet super fun and cool! They're even flipping in mid-air while we were tracking them which WOWs us! These creatures really swims fast. There are times that they're meters away from us and there are times where they're just right in front of our boat and seems like touring us in their habitat! Dolphins here are free which makes it fun to watch.

Finally! A group of dolphins show up!

Got lucky to have a shot like this

Balicasag Island

Right after our encounter with the dolphins we then head to our next destination, at Balicasag Island. From the dolphin watching area, we traveled for no more than 30 mins to reach Balicasag Island. The island is known for marine sanctuaries and with that, this site makes it a perfect place for snorkeling and fish feeding activities.

Hep! Hep! But before you can dive into the sanctuary, you have to settle first some fees:

• Small boat - 250 pesos/head (mandatory)
• Snorkels and goggles - 150 pesos/head (optional)
• Water shoes - 150 pesos/head (optional)
• Fins - 250 pesos/head (optional)
• Underwater camera - 1,000 (optional)

The small boat includes a boatman/guide which will take you to the sanctuary. I find the snorkeling gears too pricey so if you own these gears, I strongly recommend that you bring them with you so you don't have to rent from them.

Moving forward, as we alight and jump on the sanctuary, I was amazed on the different fishes I saw in the area! It exceed on what I expected to see because there are LOTS of fishes nesting in Balicasag Island. And if you're lucky enough, you might able to see turtles as well. Too bad we don't have underwater camera to document what we saw. (Soon: The pictures I am sharing for this section are from my officemate who also happened to visit Balicasag Island)

Virgin Island

Just enjoying the sun...

As for our final stop on this island hopping adventure, we visited Virgin Island. If Balicasag boasts its rich marine life, Virgin Island of Panglao is popular for its simplicity. Simple in a sense that the main attraction of this island is its long and narrow sandbar. Just prepare to be burn because there isn't much shade in this island. Who cares anyway? Just enjoy your island escapade!

The long sandbar of this island

Hahaha... Trying out some dancing pose here

To sum up my experience, it has been a great trip to see the other side of Bohol. Island hopping in Panglao is a really must try activity when visiting the province of Bohol. It was worth the penny and time. Just don't forget to bring your snorkeling gears in case you have them. It will surely save you and your pocket! Haha


Breakdown of Expenses:
Island hopping tour - 2,500 Pesos/good for 6 pax
Small boat at Balicasag Island - 250 pesos/head (mandatory)
Snorkels and goggles - 150 pesos/head (optional)
Water shoes - 150 pesos/head (optional)
Fins - 250 pesos/head (optional)
Underwater camera - 1,000 (optional)
Food - **.**

Apple Watch has finally arrived at Power Mac Center

Apple Special Event last September made another milestone as it introduced to the world the all new series Apple Watches. The unveiling of Apple Watch made so much noise that ever since the day of event, people can't get enough to have it on their hands and experience it. Which includes us, Filipinos.

But after a month of anticipation, finally, I can now say that the long wait is over as Power Mac Center launches Apple Watch in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail  shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer. That's why it is no surprise why Apple appoints them to have the first launch of the Apple Watch here in the country. The big reveal happened yesterday (October 23) at Power Mac Center's flagship store in Greenbelt 3.

Look at those people whose waited this long for the Apple Watch

Apple Watches' straps are interchangeable

The Apple Watch collection comes in three models: the aluminum Apple Watch Sport, the stainless steel Apple Watch, and the solid gold Apple Watch Edition. All (3) three Apple Watches are available in 2 sizes, the 38-mm and 42-mm. Apple Watch may now avail at Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma with prices starting at 19,990 PhP for the Apple Watch Sport; stainless steel Apple Watch at 30,990 PhP; and Apple Watch Edition at 560,000 PhP

Note: Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, is available exclusively at Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3. Those who want to try it on may arrange an appointment and be assisted by Apple Watch Experts deployed in-store.

Visit Greenbelt 3 to see the Apple Watch display

I was one of the lucky people who got to see and experience Apple Watch as it launches here in the Philippines. Together with other bloggers and writers, we got a special demo from Power Mac Center on Apple Watch.

Aside from this watch can enable the users to view key notifications like call, text and email alerts, Apple Watch supports most iOS apps. It is particularly proud of its integrated health and fitness apps. Apple believes that fitness isn't just limited to sports or hitting the gym. Apple Watch tracks every physical activity and encourages further movement. It ultimately helps set and keep track of fitness goal.

The unboxing of Apple Watch Sport

Everybody is excited to have that shot with the Apple Watch Sport

Pairing the Apple Watch on Iphone 6

The impromptu Apple Watch model that day

Just as what Assistant Brand Manager of Apple for Power Mac Center -- Ivan Ambrosio said, "Apple Watch is a reimagining of the watch as we know it. It's a unique timepiece with innovative features perfect for any Filipino lifestyle - be it for fitness enthusiasts, working professionals, even fashion-savvy ones"

Even the Sport edition Apple Watch looks sleek and stylish

So what are you guys waiting for? Visit Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 or Trinoma to see it yourself as well! For more information, go to http://www.powermaccenter.com or follow them at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/powermaccenter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/powermaccenter
Instagram: www.instagram.com/powermaccenter

Thank you for having us!

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol and ATV Tour

If you ask Filipinos what is the must see spot when visiting Bohol, there's not a chance that they will forget to say the Chocolate Hills. As It has been featured so many times in our textbooks when we are in grade school and high school and even tourism advertisements never forgets this place when promoting the Philippines. In short, this place has been an icon not only of Bohol but also the country as a whole.

How did we get there?
We met Kuya Bernie outside Tagbilaran Airport. He offers different tours in Bohol and one of the tour he has is Tagbilaran tour (I'll make another blog for it). He has a van for hire which can accommodate 5-7 persons. He also told us that he has another service which can hold up to 12 persons. What's nice about his tour is you can collaborate with him in terms of the places you want to visit. You can eliminate sites which you want to skip and replace it with another. As for our Tagbilaran City Tour, he only asks for 2,500 Pesos which includes a trip to our hotel in Panglao at the end of our tour. Note: entrance fees of each places are not included. Having said that, it is still pretty convenient and cheap than other tours I saw. You may contact Bernie at 0999-929-8445

Going back, the Chocolate Hills latest count already reached 1,776 and are widely spread in different barangay in Bohol merely in Tagbilaran and Carmen. Each cone-shape hill ranges from 30-50 meters in height. The hills are covered with grass which turns brown during dry season which makes the hills more look like chocolates. For viewing, one may visit a government-owned and operated resort called "Chocolate Hills Complex" which is located in Carmen, Bohol. It is no more than 1 1/2 hours away from the airport and has a 50 pesos per person entrance fee.

Just a portion of the hills you can see on top

Chocolate Hills Complex

The site is a converted two chocolate hills transformed into a complex. The complex has a restaurant, swimming pool, grotto of the Virgin Mary, a conference room and a view deck. In order to reach the view deck, one must climb up the 200+ steps. So, better prep up those sleeping thighs. Nevertheless, a 360 degrees scenic view of the hills awaits once you reach the top.

It was tiring but worth it!

View from the view deck

Good job guys!

Time for some groupfie!

(Side Trip) Chocolate Hills ATV Guided Tour

At the foot of Chocolate Hills Complex, there's a vicinity which offers ATV tour near the chocolate hills. A 30 minutes ride costs 450 Pesos which includes a helmet and a guide that will go along with you. Note: make sure you have extra clothes when trying this activity. The ride tends to be dusty when dry season and muddy when rainy season.

One of the stop over in the site

Photo op at 3 sisters hill :)

Breakdown of Expenses:
Tagbilaran Tour - 2,500 PhP (good for 5 pax)
Entrance fee to Chocolate Hills Complex - 50 PhP per pax
ATV for 30 mins - 450 PhP
Food - **.**