Balay Indang, The Red Ginger Farm and Garden

" Balay Indang is a garden refuge comfortably located in Indang, Cavite. The wide, expansive gardens are filled with some of the finest flowering plants, trees and cacti making them some of the most relaxing and beautiful settings you could ever imagine. Our sanctuary boast of a variety of amenities including a large, well-maintained swimming pool, a luxurious and airy pool-side pavilion with billiards, mahjong and a collection of classic board games, a fishing pond with Red Kingfish Tilapia where you and your family can enjoy hours of fishing, and a well-stocked kitchen and restaurant specializing in local and foreign home-cooked meals. "

Balay Indang is a simple bed and breakfast place. It is perfect for corporate events, retreat, or if you want to simply escape from the busy city life. You can eat for P600/head and they serve simple home-cooked food (nothing to rave about). You can stay overnight complete with meals for P1,850/ head and you add P1,000/room if you prefer the air-conditioned room.

We want to be thorough in helping my brother in selecting the best reception place for their wedding so we had to check this out. I was only able to took pictures of the main Balay Indang house since we arrived late at night. Overall, it has a nice ambiance, a friendly staff and a relaxing eclectic atmosphere. This is a good place to escape with the family or go for a team building session.

Check this out...

The Food

The meal starts with a simple salad with ranch dressing similar to Sonya's garden in Tagaytay. The meal comes with ordinary powdered ice tea and brewed coffee. Everything is home cooked so don't expect a gourmet dining experience.

The ribs are tender and home cooked.

The pasta dishes failed to meet our expectation because it was not fresh and pasta seemed overcooked.

The rice was just OK.

The fish, although imported, was also OK.

The Balay Indang Ambiance

My dad poses with different kinds of mirror in the background.

By design, the tables, chairs and door knobs are different throughout the house to give an eclectic effect.

Aidan poses with the different buddhas as the background. This is one of the signature displays in Balay Indang.

A view from the second floor of the main house. On the second floor, you can find the three air-conditioned rooms.

" Our three rustic cottage house eight well-appointed and extremely comfortable rooms designed to maximize their closeness to the natural beauty of the gardens.The rooms are made for ultimate comfort and serenity, fusing both the comforts of modern living with Old World charm and vibrancy. Furthermore, each room has its own distinct character, with interiors and accessories specially designed to make our stay as comfortable and as unique as possible. Here, your total relaxation is our key. At Balay Indang, our well-trained and friendly staff will make sure that your every need is met. "

Hannah Room

A view of the small bed and the door that leads to the restroom.

A glimpse of the homey filipino inspired comfort room.

A view of the main king sized bed in the Hannah Room.

Deborah Room

This is the main room typically used as the brides' room when weddings are held in Balay Indang.

There are a total of 3 beds in the Deborah room.

EVE Room

This is a smaller room among the three.

with a sofa convertible bed.

Balay Indang, The Red Ginger Farm & Garden
"A refuge to commune with God Nature One's Self.
At Balay Indang, discover Life as it should be. "

Reservations: +63 917-837 4261, +63 919-5595884, +63 921 980 7154 (9am-8pm daily)
Marge Tan, Manager (Mobile: +63 917 866 5825)

Driving Directions:
From the South Super Highway, take Santa Rosa Exit and drive towards Tagaytay.
From the Tagaytay rotunda, head to the market located after Taal Vista Lodge.
You will pass by Taal Vista, Casino Filipino, and Total Gasoline station.
As you approach the Mendez market intersection, you should see mercury drug on your right.
Turn right on the stoplight after Mercury along Mendez drive.
Drive along this very long Mendez stretch until you hit a dead intersection.
Turn right and Balay Indang should be 3km from this point.
You would go past the Balay Indang Welcome Arc .
Look for a wooden gate on your left with no.88 (shown in the picture above).

Antonio's, Tagaytay -- Still the Best

The new Antonio's Main Gate.

We went back to Antonio's to check out their wedding package for my brother's wedding. As I posted a while back, I still think that nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner in Tagaytay. It is still the best if you want to hold a grand wedding for your closest friends. Antonio's beats any other places in Tagaytay in terms of great food and great ambiance. There is no set package in Antonio's for wedding and they leave it up to you to order from the menu and the beverages menu. You should budget a minimum of at least P2,000/ head and it doesn't make sense to go cheap on your guest if you decide to hold your wedding in Antonio's. There is a corkage fee of P500/ bottle so they highly discourage you to bring your own wine.

The Antonio's Garden.

This was the view taken from the well manicured garden of Antonio's. You can see the 3-level main house on the right and the huge door on the left is used for the grand entrance of the couple. You can use the garden for cocktails and this serves as the waiting area. Also, it is advisable to finish all the program in the garden and conduct the wedding reception in the main restaurant. It would definitely be a challenge to hold a program in the restaurant because of its 3-level structure so you will want to set up wide screens around the restaurant to stream the video of the program so as not to alienate your other guests.

Overall, Antonio's is the best ideal place for a wedding reception but be sure to willingly spend P2,000+/ head.

Related Posts:
Nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner @ Tagaytay!
Anton & Rache pre-nuptial shots in Antonio's

Check out the rest of the Antonio's ambiance....

I've always love this door ever since we discovered Antonio's when it opened in 2003.

As you enter the door, you will be greeted by this receiving area with an old leather sofa. (This is the first level)

Behind the receiving area is the bathroom above that usually everyone falls in love with. I love it then and even better now.

As you look below in the second lower level, you'll see the tables set in a lush garden with a koi pond to add to the overall romantic ambiance.

You can decide to eat in the "main" restaurant with blue chandeliers. For a group dinner, our favorite spot is the patio of this main level resto.

You can continue to descend down via the grand staircase to the third lower level.

To your right is this high ceiling reception area which may be good for 20-30 people. I could imagine doing the wedding program here but you need to stream the programs via a wide screen to other areas of the resto.

To your left, group of tables with their own unique table setting and ambiance.

I'm not really fascinated with the table setup in this part of the resto maybe because of its low ceiling. It does not give you a feeling that you are eating in a garden.

This table has an interesting chef painting at the end of the wall. I've always wanted to ask Antonio's one of these days, the story about the painting.

As you go down further, this staircase now leads to the garden.

Here is a view of the garden from the staircase. This is the first time I've seen it . They have done a great job with creating and maintaining this garden.

So bro, what's your decision? Will you go for Antonio's?

Call Antonio's Restaurant at +63918-899-2866 for reservations!

Batungbakal Zambales Mangoes

One of our awesome indulgences unique to the Philippines, is to eat as much mangoes as you want! Not just any mangoes, but you need to try out these super delicious Batungbakal Zambales Mangoes! They are in season this summer and we are loving them now. This is also the best time to indulge in Dulcelin's Mango Torte because they would be using mangoes from Zambales.

At first, we were kinda disappointed to receive our box of zambales mangoes because when we opened it, the mangoes were green. But we now understand that it was necessary to prolong your indulgence for two+ weeks. Because once these mangoes ripen and becomes golden, oh man, we can't stop eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can even make my own mango torte or my own mango dessert. We bought two boxes of the Large Batungbakal Mangoes which cost us about P350/ box.

Personally, I love my mango green with a mix of yellow to give it a sweet and sour taste. My wife loves the ripe ones and it is perfect for the lihi period. Check out the email that we got from watergirl below... (Thanks so much!!)

BTW, I'm also looking for other zambales mangoes sources, please please let us know...

Technorati Tags: Zambales Mangoes

You may contact Jane or Melot at 729-3265 or 729-5413 for your orders.

Pickup will be at 26 Narra, South Forbes anytime after 9 am.

The mangoes come in 5 kg. boxes and the prices are as follows:

Size Weight Range/pc in g Price/5kg. box Approx # to a Box
Small 160 to 209 P200.00 26 pcs. +/-
Regular 210 to 259 P250.00 20 pcs. +/-
Medium 260 to 309 P300.00 17 pcs. +/-
Large 310 to 359 P350.00 14 pcs. +/-
Extra Large 360 to 409 P400.00 13 pcs. +/-
Jumbo 410 and up P500.00 12 pcs. +/-
> >>
Please indicate the size and how many boxes you'd be ordering.

Hacienda !sabella , Celebrate Life!

" You need a getaway. And fast. What's holding you back? You don't want to feel as if you were far, far away from the city.

You want to pay good money for a nice place. But somehow, every other resort feels too generic. Same old cabanas, same old bungalows. As if it would hurt to have just a little more uniqueness and style.

You need to feel refreshed and recharged after, not tired out and exhausted. You've realized that taking a break is as much a need of the spirit as it is of the boy. It isn't about running away and spending all your money and burning out. It's about coming home to a place that allows you and your family to be the best people you can be, in a place where the true luxury is that of choice.

Hacienda Isabella... The possibilities are endless... Dream Weddings, power team buildings, intimate parties, fabulous events and enchanting moments.

Welcome to the World of Hacienda Isabella!"

In the past, when Republic of Malate was burned down, I remembered Kuh Ledesma opened her Pasay home for dinner reservations so that the chef(s) @ Good Earth would continue to be employed despite the closing of the restaurant. It is too bad, I was still not blogging back then. We ate there when it opened and Kuh's place has a relaxing zen feel to it (Have you eaten @ Kuh's place before?). Kuh would sometimes go down to greet and meet with the guests but we never had a chance to meet her. When OAP was born, I was wondering if I can feature that place but I heard they don't operate anymore.

So imagine how happy I was, when I saw Hacienda Isabella in Tagaytay which is Kuh Ledesma's Tagaytay Residence. It has been opened to the public for two years now for weddings, team buildings. This is strictly- by-reservation lunch/ dinner (reserve 1 week in advance) only. It has exactly the same look and feel that I was looking for. It is just far from the main Tagaytay highway. After Bag of Beans, you need to turn on the first right (you should see the sign to Hacienda Isabella) and drive for 8kms (about 20 minutes by car). I was telling my brother that this was just perfect for a wedding and if I was going to be married now, I would make the reservations immediately.

Only issue I see with this place is that it is far from the main highway and you can piss off some of your guest. Parking would be an issue and you need to park your guest's cars outside the Hacienda along the road. They have their in-house chef named Joseph who cooks for the Ledesma family. I'm not sure how good the food is, but it should be great because they are charging P650/ head (Anyone of you who has been or tried Hacienda Isabella before? Do share your experience!).

For weddings, they charge P1,300/ Head + 12% VAT which already includes the venue, the food, and the three rooms on the second floor which can be used by the bride and immediate family members for the night. They have 19 villas that you can rent out for your guests and have an all night party with your close friends and family. My kind of wedding place.

Let me tour you around Hacienda Isabella....

After entering the main door, you would see the main dining table on your right .

To your left, would be a series of group tables for a party of 8-10 people. Hacienda !sabella is strictly by reservations only because the main chef comes from Manila and they plan the meal based on exact number of people.

The stairs leading to the bedrooms. Can't wait to see the rooms!

As you walk up the stairs going to the 2nd floor, if you pause for a while and look behind your back, you would see the entire scene above. For a Sunday lunch, the place looks empty and they are waiting for only one group for lunch that day.

As you walk up to the second floor, you would see this space for entertaining your guests (if ever) and this is just outside the three bedrooms included in the wedding package.

Here is a top view for the second floor of the main dining area. Check out the cute lamps.

A sneak preview of the romantic couple's bedroom. Aidan beat you to it!

The couple's bed. Isn't it just great? It looks so inviting!!! This room is only reserved for the bride.

Here is the bride's bathroom where you can stay for hours!

Another bed inside the couple's bedroom. Maybe for Kuh's daughter, Isabella. The opening on the left side of the photo leads to the bathroom.

This is the middle bedroom in the second floor. This room is quite small and the only room that does not have an aircon.

The third bedroom. I like the way they had set up the rooms where all are for sharing, bonding with family and friends.

This one's also nice. Definitely a room for everyone else! Located downstairs. This is not included in the wedding package but can still rent this room for P5,000+ (I believe). They offer the room with breakfast.

Look how vast the lot is for the reception area! I wonder how will they transform the place into a dream wedding reception.... Searching through the web, you would see a few concept on how other couples transformed this place into a romantic dinner event.

I walked around the Hacienda and tried to capture the sceneries to give my brother a feel of the ambiance.

There are a lot of big paintings around which really enhances the serenity of the place.

A room by itself. Kinda spooky when it turns dark though. There are 19 villas/ rooms around the hacienda.

One of the villas you can rent out. If this was my wedding, I would ask my close friends and family to stay over and make the wedding an overnight affair.

Here is a view of the main house.

Old stuff?

I want this painting!!

Hacienda !sabella
(contact person: Jojo Jacob)
#8 Carasuchi St. , Indang Cavite
Tel. No. (02)551.7253 to 55
Mobile No. (0920) 953.9488; (0917) 813.9065; (0920) 565.9635; (0919) 301.9525
Site: www.haciendaisabella.com
Email: jo2_jacob@yahoo.com, reen15shey@yahoo.com, verymalo@yahoo.com

Ville Sommet, Tagaytay

" You feel calm the moment you set foot into the gardens. You will completely let go and commune with nature. Out of the blue you feel the buzz. The air is electric. It is palpable. Suddenly you find yourself in the middle of a party. You've found what you came for."

"Welcome to Ville Sommet... explore the possibilities. "

Wedding season is in the air and we are helping our big brother choose the perfect venue for their wedding in October 07. First stop, the Ville Sommet garden in Tagaytay. This was used to be the setting of the Seasons restaurant which ceased operation already. It is the first time I've been to this place and this reminded me of our Caleruega wedding while walking the path to the glass house and chalet. I've seen photos on their website but I need to see with my very own eyes and get the feel of the place.

As we stepped into the reception hall, we saw that the glass house has a high ceiling with cloth draped to add touch to the venue. The glass house can fit 350 people in one event. This covered reception hall is very useful specially during the rainy season. Lodging for the couple at the Chalet is also available as part of their wedding package. It would have been perfect if they built a chapel on top of the garden.

Overall, it was very nice and the landscaping is perfect if you like the garden setting for your wedding. For a 200 pax wedding, Ville Sommet will cost about P260,000+ (approx..) for an exclusive garden reception.

Here is the rundown of the Ville Sommet costs:
Chalet -- P12,500 + 12% VAT (with breakfast) but P10,000 if part of the wedding package. Jacuzzi available for use.
GlassHouse -- P85,000 + 12% VAT
Caterer -- P635/head +10% Service Charge +12% VAT (Cheapest package anyone of the four caterers)
(I was advised by Ville Sommet not to publish the rates because it changes over time. Better to call: +632 5513422 to 23 for the rates. )

Let me tour you around Ville Sommet in its raw beauty...

This is the main private house of the owner of Ville Sommet but it is off limits.

Ville Sommet Chalet

The Chalet. Luxurious appointed 2 bedroom Chalet with living and dining area, Sauna/ Steam room and Jacuzzi.

"True to its name, Ville Sommet does indeed have a house on a hill—THE CHALET. Designed by architect Jose Mañosa to resemble a mountain cabin, the two-bedroom chalet can comfortably accommodate a party of two to a family of six. Furnished tastefully with Cebu’s finest creations, it has a living and dining area, a working kitchen, and even an outdoor whirlpool and sauna room which are overlooked by a trellis of stephanotises, artfully filtering the sunlight." (www.villesommet.com.ph)

As you enter the chalet, you'll be greeted by the homy sofa and a kitchen.

It is well maintained and I like the log cabin type of ambiance.

This will be the couple's bedroom during their stay should they decide to get the Chalet.

There is an adjacent twin bed room for additional guests or kids.

The Parkland
Discover this Grand Garden dotted with exotic fruits, vibrant blooms, an enchanting lagoon, trellis, and winding paths. This oasis can hold up to 300.

The small lagoon is quite impressive and it adds to the overall romantic ambiance of the place.

This is a good set-up place for the wedding photo-ops. This is under the tree and near the lagoon.

You can see the huge glass house in the background from the lagoon area.

The Glasshouse. A covered area that is enveloped in nature and can easily transform into a dream party space.

"The largest structure on VILLE SOMMET also looks its most gentle and fragile. THE GLASSHOUSE is ideal for large parties of up to 350 people, who can wine and dine no matter the weather outside. With views of the sprawling gardens all around, THE GLASSHOUSE is also home to a garden of its own right inside its glass walls. If you’re looking for the perfect venue that delivers drama and high-impact, this is it." (www.villesommet.com.ph)

Real plants accentuate the overall ambiance of the the Glass house. This photo gives you a sense of how big the place is.

You might wonder, so where is the restroom? I'm glad that there is a stand alone restroom. As of this moment, they are constructing another one that is nearer to the glass house.

This is just one of the winding path across the Ville Sommet garden that reminded me of the path to the Chapel of the Transfiguration in Caleruega where we got married.

The Pavilion. An open air luxury Caban that could easily hold a party of 80.

This used to be the location of Seasons restaurant but they decided to stop it even before I had the chance to try it out.

Here is the insider's look of the pavilion.

Ville Sommet, Tagaytay
Website: www.villesommet.com.ph
Cell no: +63 917 832 3908
Tel#: +632 551 8940, +632 551-3422 to 23
Directions: Coming from Tagaytay Circle/ Manila, after reaching Tagaytay-Alfonso Arch, turn right to Barangay Sikat. This turn is directly in front of Residence Inn, Tagaytay. Just a few minute drive from the highway.

Ville Sommet has 19 parking slots inside their compound. Parking is allowed along the streets. Do not fret for Ville Sommet will ask the assistance from their Baranggay tanod to guard the parked vehicles.

Ville Sommet Qualified Caterers:

Juan Carlo the caterer
Main Office: 78-C Cenacle Drive Sanville Subdivision Q.C.
Tel. Nos. +63 (2) 9293674
Telefax: +63 (2) 4530071
Email: juan_carlo_thecaterer@yahoo.com
Website: www.juancarlothecaterer.com

Josiah's Catering, Incorporated
Main Office: 34 East Drive Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Tel. Nos. +63 (2) 9342163; +63 (2) 9417032 loc. 101-107
Telefax: +63 (2) 9482669
Email: info@josiahscatering.com
Website: www.josiahscatering.com

Seasons Catering Services
Main Office: 247 Milelong Bldg. cor. Herrera St., Makati City
Tel. Nos. +63 (2) 8445315
Mobile: 0927-7327667

Cibo di M. Signature Caterer
owned & operated by SOSTANZA, INC.
U-12 Session Apt., Session Rd. Araneta Center
Quezon City, Philippines 1109
Tel: 911.9970 • 913.3965 Fax: 439.5884
Mobile: 0917-830.5053 • 0917-881.5237

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