Alive! is a true Vegan Gourmet Experience at The Farm as they use special dehydrators instead of traditional methods of cooking to preserve the nutritional benefits of the food while maintaining the texture. Alive! is one of the first Vegan restaurants in Asia and no doubts about it this food will blow you away and make you crave for more of their healthy, flavorful and anti-aging concoctions. Join us for this culinary adventure!

Alive! is located across from the Farm’s Southpark Lagoon and has outdoor and indoor seating. We had a refreshing glass of buko juice after our afternoon power walk and the cold face towel was heaven sent.

Upon entering Alive! you will be greeted by gentle ambient lighting and tropical wood interiors within the simplistic barn like structure.  It was recently renovated for an open kitchen setup to showcase their kitchen.

After a quick inspection, the kitchen looked surgically clean and what surprised us was the size as it had more floor area than the restaurant itself! For dinner we chose to be seated inside as there was also a live band for entertainment.

While the Alive! Menu was only two pages, it takes a bit of time to digest as you probably would recognize a few dishes but since it is prepared with a dehydrator and not completely cooked the end result will be something uniquely different for the palette. Take note that the menu changes daily aside from the a la cart items on the left hand side.

Tomato Cheese Stack with Wilted Herbs and Balsamic Glaze

What is a Vegan diet? It is a diet without any animal products including eggs and milk and there has been some scientific experiments which have proven that a planned vegan diet may result in lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol as well as decreased probability for heart disease and colon cancer. We started with the tomato cheese stack which was part of the four course dinner. The cheese was not cheese processed from cow’s milk but was made from soy milk, vegetable oil and other additives. Surprisingly it had the texture and taste of an extremely mild Edam. The huge tomato slices and warmed arugula proved to be a perfect companion.

Home Made Herb Crackers with Tomatoes

A light complimentary appetizer that will leave you craving for more.

Shaved Celery and Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Orange Poppy Seeds Dressing

This salad was exhilarating with the sweet walnuts and crunchy celery and apple. A wonderful combination of vegetables, fruits and nuts that will make your taste buds come Alive!

Cauliflower Risotto with Truffle Mushroom Ragout and Polenta Pizza with Grilled Vegetables

The main course may sound like a mouthful but the portions are quite small and manageable. The cauliflower risotto was not as creamy as we expected it to be but the truffle mushroom ragout made up for it with its juiciness. The polenta pizza was something out of the ordinary considering how often people eat polenta in the Philippines. Polenta is now made from cornmeal but before during ancient roman times was made from various starches like millet or spelt. While it may have been considered peasant food in the past, there has been a resurgence and it has grown to become a gourmet food served in a lot of high end restaurants. It tasted like ground corn with a grainy texture to it. While it may have been called a pizza, it was more like a pancake with grilled vegetables as topping and it was delicious.

Pasta Carbonara – PHP 480.00++

We were curious about their pasta and decided to order their Carbonara. While a real carbonara has most of its flavor from the bacon bits and parmesan cheese, Alive’s Carbonara manages to yield similar flavors and creaminess without the animal products. How do they manage to do this? They use dried coconut and added soy sauce and other spices to make it taste like bacon and boy did it taste good without all the saturated fat! For the cream, the base is soy milk as well as the cheese substitute. This carbonara was a complete delight even though it was fake, it is so much healthier.

Layered Tiramisu

For dessert, we had their version of Tiramisu which was exeptional considering that it was put together without mascarpone cheese. The verdict after a Four Course Vegan dinner is that we felt completely satisfied and full even without the protein from meat. It was lighter and would probably have less cholesterol than an average meal and tasted wonderful. Aside from the obvious health benefits, we were quite impressed with the quality and freshness of the food as well as the expertise in creating the dishes. To complete our dinner experience, the servers were very courteous and knowledgeable about the food and preparation. If you are interested in learning the basics of preparing Vegan food, the Farm also offers culinary classes during the week.

Le Gentil D’ Alsace 2005
We chose to accompany the meal with a french wine produced from biodynamic agriculture which is a modern form of organic farming that retains the natural balance of all organisms within the ecosystem. It had a fruity hint of orange peels and a smoky finish.

Before retiring for the evening why not have a tribal dance around the bonfire?

We spotted a little friend on our way. Amazingly, The Farm boasts of producing all their food on their premises aside from escargot of course.

How was your experience at The Farm?

The Farm at San Benito
119 Barangay Tipakan 4217 Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
Manila Sales Office: Shop 11, G/F, The Peninsula Manila, Makati City
Manila Tel: (632) 8848073
Email: reservations@thefarm.com.ph / reservations.thefarm@gmail.com
Website: www.thefarm.com.ph

Tropical Fruit Salad with Home Made Yoghurt

In our next post we have the healthiest breakfast at Alive!. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Only 84 Kilometers (1.5 hours – 2 hours) away from the hustle and bustle of Makati, lies a 48 hectare lush tropical spa retreat to rejuvenate and revitalize your senses known as the Farm at San Benito which has received 18 international awards. Opened in 2002 by Mr. Eckard Rempe, a German expatriate who has been working/living in the Philippines since 1968 and wanted to create an institution that would be part of a global revolution in healthcare and wellness. Thus was born the Farm out of a need for harmony and balance within one’s hectic, stressful and challenging lifestyle. This is our unforgettable journey at this unique weekend destination where were filled with balance, discovery and awakening. If you are looking to clear your mind, reduced stress and restore your youthful complexion and vitality, this may be the place for you.

Directions to the Farm from Makati:

1. Take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) South towards Batangas (All the way until the end)
2. Continue on thew new SLEX connection to the STAR Tollway
3. Exit STAR Tollway at LIPA Exit
4. After exit turn RIGHT towards LIPA City
5. Proceed 1.5KM until Y Intersection with Robinsons mall on your left, remain in LEFT lane through intersection
6. Continue for 2.3 Km until SM Mall Rotunda, then take a RIGHT
7. Continue for 1.5 Km until taking a LEFT on Bonifacio Street
8. From this point onwards follow the green Farm signs for 8 KM until reaching the Farm

It was a leisurely drive with the directions provided by the Farm and upon reaching the gates, the guard will ask for your name to check on his guest list.

Upon entering the gated community it is only 500 meters to the outdoor parking lot. The entire drive from Makati was paved, so there is no need for a 4X4.

The reception / lobby area was a short distance from the parking area and took no more than 5 minutes to check in. We were also pleasantly greeted by the American General Manager Michael Di Lonardo and provided with a colored map of the resort.

The Farm MAP

There are 3 pools, 5 meditation salas, 2 clinics, spa, gym, amphitheater, jungle trail, lagoons, organic garden, a centuries old mango tree, and the multi-awarded Alive! Vegan Restaurant. We couldn’t wait to start using the map and exploring!

We booked a room at their Sulu Terrace and it resembled a two story bahay kubo nipa hut made of wood, cement and coconut.

The Sulu Terrace was enchanting and had an ornately designed door and lock that transported us to Middle-Earth where we were half expecting Gimli to pop out of.

Sulu Terrace – PHP 7,000++ Per Night (Single/Double Occupancy)

Within are two single beds and and a coffee table setup with rattan chairs.

This modern kubo was efficiently designed and comfortable.

The silent 2 horsepower split type air-conditioning unit cooled the room in minutes.

The toilet was clean, compact, and located on the ground level.

The complimentary fruit basket was a nice touch! :-0

We visited the Gym but only for one reason…

Their trampoline of JOY! This was a lot of fun and exhilarating and a good release of endorphins! If you are looking for a guided workout they also have personal trainers available for PHP 2,000+ per person/per hour. The gym is operational from 6:00AM – 9:00PM.

Salus Per Aquam (SPA)

The Farm’s award winning spa offers an extensive menu of signature treatments, European and Asian massages, body scrubs and beauty treatments. They use homemade products for each treatment which are 100% natural and organic including virgin coconut oil, fresh coconut milk, coffee, and cocoa.

The spa reception area is well ventilated with high ceilings and had ample space for guests while waiting for their appointments or to relax afterwards.

What makes the SPA even more luxurious is an infinity pool with a majestic view of Mount Malarayat. This grand panorama stands in stark contrast to the womb-like private massage pavilions, each located within their own gardens and water features.

SPA Amenities

Their therapists are highly trained and experienced to provide the best service imaginable.  Rooms are built for couples.

We highly recommend the following SPA treatments as taken from their menu:

PURIFICATION TREATMENT PHP 3,600++/90 Minutes
Yin Yang Body Polish
The depletion of minerals from the soil is a major culprit of why the body process slows down. Minerals act as the spark to power the processes such as, metabolism (good for those with weight problems) and cell damage repair (anti –aging). Sea salt is a source that is high in minerals. In ancient healing traditions, salt solutions have been known to absorb “negative energy” (highly recommended for stressed-out individuals).

The Purification Treatment is applied to the body using special strokes to energetically balance the body. This is what we call the Yin Yang rhythmical movements: uniquely developed, perfected and can only be found at The Farm.

ROSE PETAL BODY WRAP PHP 4,900++/ 90 Minutes
Pollen is considered by nutritionists as an alkaline food and is the most complete food found in nature. Fresh rose petals are highly rejuvenating because they contain essential amino acids and vitamins A, B, C & E, as well as containing enzymes and powerful antioxidants. Wrapping you in the earth’s own goodness straight from the garden, the rose petal body wrap will hydrate and nourish your skin while smoothing fine lines.

You may also wish to walk around the immediate area where they have an orchidarium and the magic lagoon to enjoy a bit of nature.

Their magic lagoon was so serene, a great place to just breathe and meditate.

We joined their afternoon Yin / Yang Yoga Class located at the amphitheater which overlooks the magic lagoon and was the perfect place to relax our body and mind through different postures and breathing techniques.

Yin Yang Yoga and meditation is usually held in the afternoon from 3:00PM – 4:30PM. Hatha yoga is normally practiced in the west where “Ha” means sun and “Tha” means moon. The practice of yoga moves will calm the mind and relax the body with proper breathing, balance and stretching techniques. If you have never tried yoga, this would be an amazing opportunity. It is recommended that you do not eat 2 hours before the session. Yes that is peacock watching our soon to be downward facing dog in the background.

AFTERNOON HIGH TEA

Daily from 3:30PM – 5:00PM there is complimentary afternoon high tea at the meeting hall behind the reception and mini lagoon area. You can sip on fresh tea from the Farm’s organic herb garden and munch on healthy crackers and fresh fruits.

We were lucky enough to spot Nirvana the albino peacock before we proceeded for our power walk.

Power Walk by Elmo Bado

During the power walk you are guided by Mr. Elmo Bado through the Farm’s property and the local town behind it. There are a few inclines so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

The Farm at San Benito
119 Barangay Tipakan 4217 Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
Manila Sales Office: Shop 11, G/F, The Peninsula Manila, Makati City
Manila Tel: (632) 8848073
Email: reservations@thefarm.com.ph / reservations.thefarm@gmail.com
Website: www.thefarm.com.ph

Two or three days is the perfect amount of time for complete relaxation at the Farm.

BUDGET– PHP 30,000/$US 700 – inclusive of gas, tolls, accommodations, treatments, food and drinks.

Shaved Celery and Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Orange Poppy Seeds Dressing

In our next post we continue this 3 part special on the Farm by having dinner at Alive!, the Farm’s own Vegan Gourment Restaurant that is known for slowing the aging process and has won the Bacarrat ASIASPA Award for SPA Cuisine of the Year. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

With the completion of the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Subic is increasingly becoming one of the most popular weekend getaways from Manila as it is only a one hour and forty minute drive away from Makati! That is our current record for this 150km drive, and averaging around 140km/h on the SCTEX stretch. This is definitely one of the best pieces of highway in the Philippines and there are a few amazing views. Subic is an ex-naval base and retains the infrastructure of the American forces that have left since September 16, 1991. The efficient road network makes it fun to cruise around. Beware of the cops as they are quite strict in enforcing traffic rules such as stopping completely at designated stop signs or intersections even if there are no cars around.

Subic has been converted into a duty free commercial zone with numerous hotels, restaurants, beaches, duty free shops, a zoo, jungle activities and an ocean park with dolphins and sea lions.

During this trip we decided to stay at the RK Hotel. With all the Korean development and investments coming to Subic, why not try a Korean backed hotel for a change?

Superior Room – PHP 2,100.00 Net ($US 40.00)

We booked a superior room and noticed that all the electronic appliances were Korean such as the silent Samsung split type airconditioning, Daewoo mini-fridge and LG LCD TV. Water was hot and the room was comfortable, mattress even had a mattress enhancer! This suited our needs for a comfortable room to sleep in as we were out exploring all day. For more luxurious hotels, check out Segara Suites or the Lighthouse Marina.

The facilities were as follows:

• Air-conditioned
• Hot & cold water
• Individual terrace
• IDD/NDD access
• Cable TV
• 27’ LCD TV
• Refrigerator
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry service

Rates from the RK Hotel website are as follows:

TYPE OF ROOM RACK RATES
Superior Room PHP 3,000.00 ($US 70.00)
Deluxe Room PHP 4,000.00 ($US 90.00)
Premier Room PHP 4,500.00 ($US 100.00)
Junior Suite Room PHP 5,000.00 ($US 125.00)
Business Class PHP 7,000.00 ($US 145.00)
Family Room PHP 7,500.00 ($US 155.00)

• All rates are inclusive of breakfast for two (2) persons, children 3 years and below are free.
• In excess of two (2) adults, additional charge for extra person at Php750.00
• Three (3) years old up to twelve (12) years old less 50% as extra person.
• Twelve (12) years old above is considered as adult.
• Check-in time is 2:00 pm
• Check-out time is 12:00 nn
• Rates are subject to change without prior notice

Breakfast was not particularly inspiring and service was practically non-existent, but the food itself was edible, how can you go wrong with bacon and eggs?

ROOM LEASING

One (1) year room lease
Price: Php 100,000.00 ($US 2200.00)
Two (2) years room lease
Price: Php 180,000.00 ($US 4000.00)
Three (3) years room lease
Price: Php 240,00.00 ($US 5800.00)

RK Hotel
SBIP Phase 1 Commercial Complex, Subic Bay Gateway Park
Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines 2222
Tel : +63 47 252 9996 to 9998

On our next post we could not resist a more sensational lunch at Texas Joe’s House of Ribs! Please click here!

Related Subic Posts:

Subic Itinerary (2 Days | 1 Night)
Subic Day 1 – RK Hotel (Part 1 of 6)
Subic Day 1 – Texas Joe’s House of Ribs (Part 2 of 6)
Subic Day 2 – Meat Plus (Part 3 of 6)
Subic Day 2 – Xtreme Xpresso Cafe (Part 4 of 6)
Subic Day 2 – Zoobic Safari (Part 5 of 6)
Subic Day 2 – Ocean Adventure (Part 6 of 6)

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

What makes the Sofitel such an amazing hotel is that aside from the truly tropical resort experience, there is also gastronomic discoveries awaiting at their lobby restaurant Spiral .

Spiral undoubtedly offers one of the best buffets in the Philippines due to its unbelievable amount of open kitchens and dishes to choose from that it becomes imperative to save space for the good stuff! So stay away from the carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, pizza and rice as this is just an evil distraction to keep you satiated from the higher ticket items!

Being part of the grand lobby of the Sofitel brings a spaciously lavish dining experience with pool and Manila bay views. Space is extremely important in any buffet, as there is nothing more annoying than competing with the hungry mob to get first dibs at the scrumptious offerings that lay ahead. Even with a seating capacity of three hundred, there were no long lines of inconvenience during this visit.

Where to start? Why not at the cold appetizers section comprised of steamed and chilled slipper lobster, shrimp cocktail, mussels, and oysters! You could easily just spend your entire time in this section especially with an icy cold beer! Also the Japanese section is right next door so a few pieces of salmon and mackerel sashimi would be a nice add on. If you are willing to be more adventurous they also have octopus. Unfortunately no salmon roe!

Next, how about Hong Kong style dimsum from the Chinese kitchen such as shao long bao, steamed shrimp dumplings, vegetarian dumplings, radish cake, fried meat dumplings. We focused on a few pieces of the steamed shrimp dumplings as hot appetizers.

While you are at the Chinese section, may as well have a few slices of roasted Peking duck and Macau lechon. It is great that you can just ask the chef to cut directly from the breast or any preferred part of the duck. Holy cholesterol, but as this is a buffet there is no harm in a few sinful bites!

At the Indian kitchen, there is an ample array of tandoori and curries to revitalize the senses. Their lamb curry is worth a few scoops as it is so tender and flavorful with some mango chutney and coriander mint sidings and a crunchy papadam.

The Indian chef also personally informed us that they do not use any powdered stocks in their curries, just fresh vegetables and spices.

Roasted Prime Rib

At the carving station is a roasted prime rib and if you hover close enough you will be able to hear the crackling of the crispy exterior fat as it is perpetually blasted by the immensely powerful heat lamps. Add a few scoops of the red wine sauce, horse radish, and mustard before scurrying back to your table before the jus dries up!

There is also crispy ebi tempura and an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts but if you have a sweet tooth you may want to save half of the room for dessert as the selection is quite extensive. They have chocolate and white chocolate fondue, a variety of cakes (including tiramisu), mousses, pastries and crepes. What makes their sweet section unique is the ice cream teppanyaki where you get to choose various ice creams and toppings that they mash together on a cold teppanyaki table!

The Spiral buffet offers a full range of cusines from Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Indian to Continental and all remarkably at a world class level. We will cover this buffet in more intricate detail on our next visit this weekend! What are your favorite dishes at Spiral?

Sofitel Philippine Plaza
CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City
Tel: 551-5555
Website: www.sofitel.com

Accor Advantage Card
Tel: 832-6948

Related Sofitel Philippine Plaza Posts:

Sofitel Philippine Plaza – An Oasis Within the City
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Club Lounge
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Lavish Spiral Buffet

On our next post we indulge at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Manila and perform a Wagyu taste test at Inagiku located at the 2nd Floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, Makati. Join us for a Shogun’s Feast! Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

When you book a Sofitel Philippine Plaza luxury club room, you will have unlimited access to the Sofitel Club Lounge. Every 5 star hotel chain has a club lounge as it provides an exclusive venue to entertain guests and have intimate meetings so take advantage of it! Join us for their complimentary breakfast buffet.

We woke up a bit late and hence there was nobody – perfect! We had the whole place to ourselves!

While the buffet is simpler and more compact than their lobby restaurant Spiral, there is still quite a reasonable amount of tasty items from east to west.

There was an assortment of berries and muesli, excellent for its healthy anti-oxidant properties and the fresh blueberries were amazing!

We continued with grilled salmon, assorted sushi rolls, poached egg, cherry tomatoes and the japanese egg custard “chawan mushi” with ikura a.k.a. salmon roe = YUM! They also have a decent selection of bottled Dime juices such as tomato, apple and orange as well as Perrier sparkling water.

Up next was the assorted cheeses. They had a decent selection including french brie, camembert, livarot, edam, malagos blush, gruyere gorgonzola, and blue cheese. This was a delight with salted crackers, grapes, walnuts, toasted bread, and a cold bottle of tomato juice.

We also had a sampling of the cured meats such as salami pepperoni, mortadella, black forest ham, air dried beef, coppa and prosciutto as well as liver pate.

For dessert, we dug into a fresh honeycomb and it was exquisite! We never tried this before and the texture was like a fluffy cake which oozed out honey!

Aside from breakfast they also offer high tea at 3:00PM and afternoon cocktails from 5:00PM! Frequent business travellers are often upgraded to a club room for the additional benefits, but it is also quite useful for the weekend vacationer.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza
CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City
Tel: 551-5555
Website: www.sofitel.com

Related Sofitel Philippine Plaza Posts:

Sofitel Philippine Plaza – An Oasis Within the City
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Club Lounge
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Lavish Spiral Buffet

Our next post will continue with an extravagant weekend brunch at Spiral, which we consider to be one of the best buffets in the Philippines! Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

What is the best way to take advantage of a long weekend? How about a vacation from the city within the city? How about booking a weekend trip at an unforgettable landmark by Manila bay – the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Whether it be for family, romance, or good old frolicking in the sun we are confident to say that it will be a memorable experience.

The Philippine Plaza was built in 1976 and is nestled within a sprawling 12 hectare property along the reclaimed area of Manila Bay. The lagoon pool is like a mini water park with two slides and was recently renovated in 2007. What makes this resort pool even more appealing is the spectacular view of Manila bay.

Imagine stepping onto your own private balcony with a breathtaking view such as this! Property values along Manila Bay are amongst the highest in the Philippines at PHP 140,000.00 per square meter ($US 3,200.00) and it is understandably so.

The Junior Suite is a corner unit with a king size bed.

At 84 square meters, 2 balconies and a separate living room, it was quite spacious to host a private cocktail party or family get together and have a little bit of room to work if needed.

The European inspired contemporary mahogany decor was warm and cozy.

Poolside with Great Ancheta

With such a beautiful day ahead of us we lounged by the pool side for an afternoon swim and snack.

Fish & Chips - PHP 590++ ($US 14.50)

This was delicious and worth ordering again. The batter was crunchy and airy but not too thick. Potato wedges were awesome with ketchup and mayonnaise!

Strawberry Mousse – PHP 270.00++ ($US 6.50)

Nothing like having strawberry cake by the poolside. This tasted as good as it looks.

Aside from the pool, aqua driving range, tennis court and jogging path you can pamper yourself at Le Spa and SoFit center which is open 24 hours. A mini PAGCOR casino is also within the hotel premises if you are feeling lucky.

Le Spa certifiably has the best steam / dry sauna / hot and cold jacuzzi in Manila due to the size, comfort and quality of construction materials. The steam sauna could easily fit ten people and maintains a powerful 49 degrees celcius on program two, I may have easy lost a pound in 10 minutes! The peppermint aromatherapy was soothing and a nice touch!

Sofitel Room Rates are as follows and are subject to change without notice (Breakfast for two included):

Classic - PHP 7,222.11 Net ($US 150.00)
Superior – PHP 9027.64 Net ($US 220.00)
Junior Suite – PHP 17,152.51 Net ($US 420.00)
Prestige Suite – PHP 23,576.00 Net ($US 570.00)

If you are interested in booking your first stay, you may want to purchase the Accor Advantage Card for PHP 7,800 Net ($US 1as this includes one overnight stay in a classic room and is valid for one year. Additional benefits include 50% food discount on meals for two at the hotel restaurants and 10% discount on rooms.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza
CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City
Tel: 551-5555
Website: www.sofitel.com

Accor Advantage Card
Tel: 832-6948

Related Sofitel Philippine Plaza Posts:

Sofitel Philippine Plaza – An Oasis Within the City
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Club Lounge
Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The Lavish Spiral Buffet

Our next post will continue with our Sofitel experience with a leisurely breakfast at the Sofitel Club Lounge. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

The Summit Ridge Hotel stands ten stories high above the Tagaytay Ridge and offers commanding views of Taal Volcano and Lake. It is conveniently located opposite a renowned Tagaytay landmark Josephine’s Restaurant. As it is a Robinson’s Land development they have also built a promenade with a Robinson’s Supermarket. We arrived at 12:15PM and did not have any difficulty checking in ahead of the standard check in time of 2:00PM.

The lobby was spacious and airy, front desk swiftly processed our reservation and we were then escorted by the bellboy to our room. The glass elevators were a nice touch similar to the Belle View in Tagaytay Highlands.

Our room was a 32sqm. Twin Classic Room on the 4th Floor that we booked a special local rate of PHP 3,250 Net ($US 80.00) vs. the rack rate of PHP 7,250.00 Net ($US 180.00) due to the low season after Easter. While this did not include breakfast, it was not an issue as we already made plans to eat at Antonio’s Breakfast.

The hallways were wide and breezy as the open architecture provided unhindered airflow.

Summit Ridge Twin Classic Room – Php 3,250 Net

We easily felt at home in our room due to the soft wooden tones and Asian inspired decor. The split type air-conditioning was sufficiently able to cool the room in a few minutes even though it was a scorchingly hot day.

The toilet was spotless, modern, and comfortable with hot water, hair dryer, disposable toothbrushes, cotton buds and the usual toiletries.

We immediately unpacked and switched on the generic 32 inch LCD to Discovery Travel and Living. Did I mention Wifi was free and surprisingly fast?

Grolsch Premium Lager – PHP 70.00 Net (Sourced from Ryuma Grocery)

Happy with the modern conveniences of our room, it was time to pop open our bottle of Grolsch, a Dutch Premium Lager whose first brewery began in 1615. It was quite refreshing before we headed off to the outdoor infinity pool.

By 1:00 PM we were by the poolside sun beds lazing the afternoon away. The pool was shallow around four feet with a waterfall feature with a view towards the hills (unfortunately not Taal).

Shochu Gekkeikan “Bizan Special” with Gold Leaf 23.5% Alcohol – PHP 650.00 Net ($US 16.00) (Sourced from Ryuma Grocery, Sta. Rosa)

To build up an appetite we had a bottle of chilled Shochu produced in Kyoto, Japan. Shochu is a Japanese spirit similar to vodka and the difference between Shochu and Sake is that Shochu is distilled while Sake is brewed. It is known to be the better of two evils as it has only 20 calories per ounce.

Annie’s Pan Fried Salmon Steak with Mustard Cream and Mashed Potatoes – PHP 575.00 ++ ($US 14.00)

Annie’s Restaurant on the G/F of the Summit Ridge Hotel serves American comfort food from Spaghetti with Meatballs and club sandwiches to Yankee Pot Roast and Picnic Fried Chicken. We ordered the salmon steak to complement our shochu.

Summit Ridge Poolside and Daybeds

The poolside would have been perfect for a small party for couples since there was hardly anybody utilizing the facilities.

After taking a power nap in our room we freshened up to head out for happy hour at Taaleña, a short five minute drive away on the ridge.

Taaleña Calamares – PHP 205+ ($US 4.50)

Nothing like having a nice cold beer and deep fried squid while enjoying the sunset with an unobstructed view of Taal.

Our Tagaytay experience continues at Buon Giorno for a romantic dinner. Please click here!

Related Tagaytay Posts:

Tagaytay Itinerary (2 Days | 1 Night) Romance in the Sky
Tagaytay Day 1 – Ryuma Ramen | Summit Ridge Hotel (Part 1 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Summit Ridge Hotel |Taaleña | (Part 2 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Buon Giorno | Fling Yoghurt (Part 3 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 2 – Breakfast at Antonio’s (Part 4 of 4)
Ryuma Restaurant Saturday Lunch Specials
Chateau Hestia Wine and Deli Shop
Amoroma Ristorante Italiano, Tagaytay
Bulalo at Josephine Restaurant, Tagaytay
Antonio’s Breakfast Revisited
Green ATS Bulalohan and Restaurant, Tagaytay

Contact Information:

Summit Ridge Hotel
Km. 58 Maharlika West
General Aguinaldo Highway
Tagaytay City

Tel: +632-240-6888
Mobile: +63-922-852-6800
E-mail: reservations@summitridgehotel.com
www.summitridgehotel.com

Taaleña
Km. 54 Crossing Silang West,
Tagaytay City Tagaytay

Tel: (046) 4131910 / 4132519

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Tagaytay is at the top of our list for a weekend getaway from Manila due to the fresh mountain air, spectacular views, short travel time, choice of restaurants, and activities. If you are heading up why not consider the Summit Ridge Hotel? The Summit Ridge Hotel opened its doors in June 2009 and is a modern and conveniently located hotel on the ridge. We simply reserved a room the night before, packed a few essentials and were on the way at 9:00AM the following morning!


Debenhams Outlet Store & Ryuma Ramen on the 2nd Floor @ Paseo Greenfield City (Sta. Rosa Exit on the SLEX)

Our first stop on the way to Tagaytay was the Debenham’s Outlet Store at Paseo Greenfield City, they have discounts up to 70% and a new supply of garments every week. We noticed that the 2nd floor of the building had been completely developed to house the Ryuma Group of companies including:

Ryuma Grocery
Ryuma Kids
Ryuma Restaurant
Ryuma Ramen

They were setup to cater to the Japanese community within the Greenfield Technopark.

Ryuma Grocery was clean and tidy offering a well stocked wide variety of Japanese and foreign snacks and treats.

After meandering through the grocery we decided to load up on a few alcoholic beverages that caught our eye, the most interesting of which was the Bizan Special Shochu with Gold Leaf for PHP 650.00 ($US 17.00).

Ryuma Ramen and Ryuma Restaurant are two separate units but offer the same Japanese menu.

Ryuma Noodle Machine

It was too early for lunch, so the restaurant was still closed and we decided to grab a quick snack at Ryuma Ramen with their authentic and functional noodle machine and Japanese Head Chef.

After browsing through their Lenovo touch screen menu and asking the staff for their best sellers and recommendations we decided to share the Chashu Men, which is essentially a ramen with Chashu style pork.

Chashu Men- PHP 280.00 Net ($US 7.00)

Chashu is normally made from the fattier cuts of pork that have been braised over low heat for an extremely long time. When done properly it will render the fat out while converting the collagen into a gelatinous consistency that literally would melt in your mouth like butter.

The broth was truly exquisite and flavorful, the pork was savory and the freshly made noodles hit the spot. It was a great start to a great day that lay ahead. Have you been to Ryuma?

Aside from ramen they also offer sushi, sashimi, domburi, udon etc. What dishes did you like?

Ryuma Restaurant

Ryuma Ramen
2nd Floor
Paseo de Sta. Rosa
Com. Ctr. 4, Greenfield City
Brgy. Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City
Laguna
Tel: +(63)49-502-8401/02

In our next post we check into the Summit Ridge Hotel. Please click here.

Related Tagaytay Posts:

Tagaytay Itinerary (2 Days | 1 Night) Romance in the Sky
Tagaytay Day 1 – Ryuma Ramen | Summit Ridge Hotel (Part 1 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Summit Ridge Hotel |Taaleña | (Part 2 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 1 – Buon Giorno | Fling Yoghurt (Part 3 of 4)
Tagaytay Day 2 – Breakfast at Antonio’s (Part 4 of 4)
Ryuma Restaurant Saturday Lunch Specials
Chateau Hestia Wine and Deli Shop
Amoroma Ristorante Italiano, Tagaytay
Bulalo at Josephine Restaurant, Tagaytay
Antonio’s Breakfast Revisited
Green ATS Bulalohan and Restaurant, Tagaytay

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.