Our 2014 Trips: First-time travels and Revisits

For me and hubby, 2014 is… cliche as it may sound… a roller-coaster ride. But since it’s a brand new year so I will not dwell on the sad memories but focus on the positive. 🙂 2014 gave us so many opportunities to travel, and most of our travels are all-expense paid by clients. While we had more work-related trips than leisure trips, just being together during our work-related trips made the experience feels as if we were just playing. 🙂

JANUARY: OUR 2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT TAGAYTAY CITY

Windy January at Skyranch Tagaytay.

We started the year by celebrating our second wedding anniversary at Tagaytay City, Cavite. It was a blissful celebration, a day trip at one of the coolest (literally) destinations last January 2014. It was also our first time to visit Tagaytay City as a couple, although we have been there countless times during our childhood and college yeaers.

We had late lunch at Mahogany Market, where we ordered steaming bowl of bulalo and crispy tawilis. Then, a first time visit to Sky Ranch. We endured the long lines in order to ride the Sky Eye, which was then the tallest ferris wheel in the country (as of now it’s the Sky Eye in Pampanga). We ended the day by having dinner and coffee at Bag of Beans. It’s a first time experience for us as a couple and up to this date that 11th day of January 2014 (a belated celebration, our anniv is January 8) will always feel as if I’m on cloud nine. 🙂 ❤

MARCH: RE-VISITING TAGAYTAY CITY VIA TALISAY ROAD

Taal Volcano as seen from Talisay, Batangas

It was during the first week of March when we got to visit again Tagaytay City, for a work-related trip. This time, we went up to Tagaytay City via the Talisay Road or what the locals call the “Sungay Road”. While this route will give you picturesque view of the Taal Volcano and Tagaytay Ridge, this road is not for the faint of heart. One have to be skilled and experienced before traversing this zigzag-gy and very steep road.

APRIL: MOM’S BIRTHDAY AT A MOUNTAIN RESORT IN BAY, LAGUNA

On mid-April, we celebrated my mom’s 61st birthday (and our third anniversary as a couple or “bf-gf anniv”) at Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Centre, a mountain resort in Bay, Laguna.

Pool area at night

It was a perfect day for swimming, a special day last summer spent with family and relatives. This sprawling resort will provide you tons of activities to engage in, so that you would momentarily forget the stress of city life. To read my review of this mountain resort, click here.

MAY: FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND PROVINCES OF MARINDUQUE AND CATANDUANES; RE-VISITED ALBAY

The month of May was totally unpredictable and bittersweet. But as what I said, I will focus on the good things that happened to keep reminding that despite the trials, we are still very much blessed.

On the first week of May, hubby and I got to visit the pristine island of Marinduque. It’s hubby’s second time to visit the province, while it was my first time. It’s a work-related trip as our purpose to go there is to attend a hearing at the Municipal Trial Court  I was enchanted at my first glimpse of Balanacan Port, where the giant statue of Ina ng Biglang Awa welcomes you upon arrival at the port.

Ina ng Biglang Awa at Balanacan Port

On the third week of May 2014, another opportunity to travel beckoned. This is my first time to travel solo, as the trip was sponsored by another law firm and not by our law office. I attended a hearing in Virac, Catanduanes, but before that hearing I first have to travel by air, land and water. Since there were no direct flights at that time to Virac, I took the flight to Legazpi, which is pure ecstasy, as the flight gave me a chance to revisit the province of Albay and see again the beautiful and majestic Mayon Volcano.

View of Mayon Volcano from the plane

After the air travel, my client and I traveled by land since we’ll be riding a Ro-Ro vessel at the Tabaco Port. At the port, I got to witness one of 2014’s biggest phenomena, the solar halo which was seen only in the Bicol Region that 22nd day of May 2014.

Solar halo. Seen only in Bicol region.

Dining alone. Inside Blossoms Restaurant in Virac, Catanduanes.

My experience at the rustic province of Catanduanes is pure bliss. It’s where I had my first media exposure/interview. 😀 And I explored the town of Virac literally by foot. As what I said, it was my first time to travel solo. While I sorely missed my hubby during that trip as he is my constant companion, the chance to travel solo made me braver, more aware of the surroundings, more alert. The three days and two nights experience in Catanduanes reminded me to enjoy my own company and to be independent when the situation calls for it. 🙂

The Bato River. No filter.

JUNE: REVISITED BOAC, MARINDUQUE; FIRST TIME AT GASAN, MARINDUQUE

June is the birthday month of my hubby. We had an overnight trip at Tagaytay City and celebrated his birthday. 🙂 Again, he had post-birthday celebration in Marinduque, when we went there the third week of June, for another work-related trip. But since we brought along my mom and aunt so that they can also visit Marinduque, we extended our trip to three days. 🙂 After touring our companions at Boac, Marinduque, we took a side trip at the nearby town of Gasan, Marinduque, to meet up with another client who is based in Gasan. It’s our first time to visit this time and we got to visit another heritage church perched on a hill, the St. Joseph Church of Gasan, Marinduque.

Another heritage church perched on a hill.

AUGUST: CEBU REVISITED

Last August, we got the chance to visit a city that I missed so much, Cebu City! It’s my hubby’s first time to visit this island, while it’s my second. 🙂 While it’s a work-related trip, we consider it as a beautiful opportunity to explore the historic urban city of Cebu. It’s only a two-day trip but on our two days we were able to go not just to the Capitol Building and Court of Appeals but also to Magellan’s Cross, Sto. Nino de Cebu Church, Ayala Center Cebu, Chapel of St. Pedro Calungsod, buy pasalubongs at Taboan Market, and enjoy buffet breakfast at Wellcome Hotel. 🙂

SEPTEMBER: FIRST TIME AT TRECE MARTIRES, CAVITE

Republic of Cavite

Last September we got to visit another historic town, Trece Martires, the capital and heart of Cavite. We roamed around the capitol compound and after done with work, we can’t help but take pictures of the Capitol building of Cavite and the majestic Legislative Building. We had a walking tour of Governors Drive and dropped by at the Shrine of the Thirteen Martyrs, church visit at the Chapel of St. Jude Thaddeus, and had coffee and ube buchi at Republic of Cavite, a cafe and restaurant often mistaken as the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine as it is a replica of the same.

OCTOBER: REVISITED CEBU AND FIRST TIME AT LAPU-LAPU SHRINE; HALLOWEEN IN MARINDUQUE

Another work-related trip brought us back to Cebu in October. We had an early flight to Cebu which allowed us to explore Mactan Island and take a side-trip first to Lapu-Lapu Shrine, which is near the airport vicinity.

Larsian barbecue

This trip is a more relaxed one than our previous trip to Cebu, as after we are done at the Court of Appeals, we got to enjoy the city the whole day, with prolonged stay at IT Park and Ayala Center Cebu, and ending the day having late dinner Cebuano style at Larsian Barbecue. On the other hand, the last week of October gave us a chance to spend Halloween in Boac as we took our third work-related trip to Marinduque this year.

Halloween festivities at Case De Don Emilio, Boac, Marinduque.

DECEMBER: REVISITED BAGUIO CITY AND CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO

strawberry taho

Come December, we were able to squeeze in two work-related out-of-town trips despite the uncertain weather. On the first week of December, just before my birthday, we got to revisit the city of pines, Baguio City. It was a quick trip, less than twenty four hours including travel time. But the trip gave us new experiences, such as getting to taste the strawberry taho, food trip at Good Taste Restaurant, and non-stop travel from Baguio City to Manila via the Genesis Executive Coach, Joy Bus.

By third week of December, we got to revisit Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro due to another work-related trip with our clients. After done with work, we visited my law school best friend and our godparents and stayed at their home. The weekend trip allowed us to explore the bustling city of Calapan, food trips and bonding moments with what we consider as our second family. 🙂

Capitol Building of Oriental Mindoro

We are thankful for a year full of safe travels. Indeed, travel broadened our horizons and made us see how beautiful and diverse our motherland is. This 2015, we are targeting to explore more the Visayas region and perhaps, a first time trip to Mindanao. We are also claiming that we would be able to travel abroad. Anything’s possible, all in the right time. 🙂

A taste of Amadeo Coffee at Republic of Cavite

Near the shrine of the thirteen martyrs and the city hall of Trece Martires City, Cavite, you will find an establishment that you would mistake as the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, complete with Philippine flag and balcony. However, this establishment is actually Republic of Cavite, a restaurant-cafe, which is inspired by the famous Aguinaldo Shrine.

We dropped by at Republic of Cavite to have coffee after a hearty lunch with clients. I ordered the famous Amadeo Coffee, while my hubby ordered cappuccino. We paired an order of ube buchi, which is six pieces per order.

Amadeo Coffee and ube buchi

Inside the restaurant, there are mementos and pictures showing the historic province of Cavite and the churches on each municipality. Brick walls and lamp posts completed the warm atmosphere at the cafe.

Hubby, inside the air-conditioned area

There is also an air-conditioned area (that’s where we had coffee) and separate al fresco dining. I can just imagine the al fresco area dimly lit with lanterns at night. Romantic! 🙂

Al fresco

The restaurant mainly serves Filipino dishes, grilled food and Caviteno delicacies. We were not able to try their meals since we just came from lunch with our clients. But the coffee and ube buchi are superb. Price is reasonable, and the ambiance? Every nook of the restaurant would remind you how proud Cavitenos are of their history.

There are also meeting rooms for small gatherings. Republic of Cavite is also a famous venue for wedding receptions.

Republic of Cavite is located at City Hall Road, Brgy. San Agustin, Trece Martires City.

Since 2002. More than 10 years of excellence.

A day at the city of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite

A property case gave us a chance to visit another historical town in Cavite, the city of the thirteen martyrs, Trece Martires.

Upon arrival at the city proper, specifically at the Governors Drive, you would see the monument of the thirteen martyrs, to whose honor the city got its name.

An instagram post showing the monument of the 13 martyrs

The thirteen Caviteno martyrs were executed during the Spanish regime for allegedly committing the crime of rebellion by cooperating with the Katipunans.

In honor of the thirteen martyrs, a town in Cavite was named after them, which is Trece Martires, and which then served as the capital of the province of Cavite. As of the present, it is the Imus City which serves as the capital of Cavite, though the seat of the provincial Capitol is still located at Trece Martirez, as well as other government offices and agencies.

All thirteen barangays of Trece Martires are named after the thirteen martyrs.

Near the monument is the parish church of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. We went inside and said our silent prayers.

stained glass

The Provincial Capitol of Cavite is also located at Trece Martires City, the heart of Cavite, literally and geographically speaking. 🙂

The seat of the provincial government of Cavite

There is also a monument of the first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo in front of the Capitolio, and a mini-park with benches where one can relax and get refreshed, especially on humid afternoons like the time that we went there.

Emilio Aguinaldo monument

We also can’t help but take a picture of the palatial legislative building while we were strolling along the capitol compound.

Legislative Building

After our transactions at the capitol compound, we stopped by to have coffee and snacks at Republic of Cavite, a restaurant/coffee shop which is a mini-replica of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. I will be writing a separate blog entry about our coffee experience at Republic of Cavite. 🙂

Perfect combination: Buko tarts and brewed coffee at Rowena’s Tagaytay

One summery day, after attending hearing at Dasmarinas City, Cavite, instead of going back to Manila, hubby and I decided to go further along the Aguinaldo Highway… Right smack at the Tagaytay Rotunda where Rowena’s Pasalubong and Restaurant is located.

Rowena’s is located at the Hillcrest Plaza near Tagaytay Rotunda. It’s famous for the mini-size buko tarts and other sweet (and salty) pasalubong items. A box of buko tart is the perfect pasalubong for your family and costs PhP180.00. Aside from the buko tart, you can also buy boxes full of apple tarts, ube macapuno tarts, blueberry cheese tarts, and silvanas stored at the store’s fridge.

Rowena’s also have a coffee shop/restaurant adjoined on its pasalubong center, which has a great view of the busy city outside. You can order buko tart, apple tart or other flavors of mini tart which is the perfect combination for a cup of steaming hot coffee. I ordered one piece apple tart that day, which is priced at PhP30.00.

Coffees are also reasonably priced, all below a hundred bucks each.

Perfect combination

The apple tart is really good; it has the same melts-in-your-mouth texture as that of a buko tart. But of course, nothing would beat the sumptuous and not-too-crumbly buko pie as partner for brewed coffee and other strong-flavored coffee. My hubby ordered silvana, which is also a good partner for hot coffee. The silvana is firm and not too sweet.

SIlvanas and apple tart

Interestingly, you can also order what is considered as the most expensive coffee in the world at Rowena’s. The Alamid coffee or the Philippine civet coffee is made much more affordable as you can buy a single pack of Alamid coffee for PhP250.00. I think the the Alamid coffee is contained inside a coffee bag, which is like a tea bag.

Rowena’s is located at Hillcrest Plaza, which has a beautiful lookout point overlooking the Taal Lake. Below is a picture taken by hubby while I was enjoying the view at the lookout point.

 

An afternoon hearing at the Dasmarinas City Hall and sidetrip to Tagaytay City

Dasmarinas City Hall

This April, I experienced attending hearing for the first time at Dasmarinas, Cavite. Dasmarinas is situated very much near Tagaytay City, which explains the windy atmosphere, despite the fact that it’s early summer already. We went to Dasmarinas via the Aguinaldo Highway.

The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) of Dasmarinas is located inside the Dasmarinas City Hall. The hearing was held at the Session Hall.

I was the first one in court. 🙂 One thing that I like about the employees in Dasmarinas City Hall is that they’re so friendly. A few employees stopped by several times and asked me where I was headed as soon as we entered the city hall. They gave directions as to where the MTCC is located and even ushered us towards the elevator, which is located at an almost hidden place.

After hearing, we went on a sidetrip to Tagaytay City. Travel time is quick, about thirty minutes. After Dasmarinas City, we passed by the town of Silang and after that, it’s Tagaytay City!

It was a foggy afternoon when we went there. We immediately dropped by at Hillcrest Plaza to buy buko tarts from Rowena’s.

Aside from the view of Taal lake and volcano from the Hillcrest Plaza, I also love this view of the Greek-style house perched near the downward road bound to Talisay, Batangas.

Love the white house a la Santorini style

After Hillcrest Plaza, we had dinner at Leslie’s Restaurant, which is located at Magallanes Square.

Leslie’s is known for serving one of the best bulalo in Tagaytay City. Filipino dishes like sisig, crispy pata and bistek are also among Leslie’s specialties. That night, there was a band frequenting each table and singing the table occupants’ requests. It was fun to listen to the band sing ballads and kundiman, and at the same time, be upbeat and sing modern songs like “Just Give Me a Reason” and “Let it Go”. 🙂

Such a perfect way to end a very busy day. 🙂

At the entrance of Leslie’s

The “selfie” of my Starbucks-Tagaytay city tumbler

During one of our official trips in Tagaytay City, hubby and I dropped by at Magallanes Square to have coffee at Starbucks and to take a look at the magnificent view found in this particular area. Hubby bought me a Tagaytay city tumbler to add to my Starbucks items collection.

What a selfie!!

This is indeed a great souvenir. 🙂 And of course, the view… Breath-taking, as always.

Going up via Talisay Road and the courts of Tagaytay City

One of the best things that I love about our work is the travel that comes with it. And when I got to handle a land case involving a property in Tagaytay City, then I also got to explore and see the courts found in this literally cool city. 🙂

This is the Hall of Justice of Tagaytay City. This is found along Mahagony Ave., near the famous Mahogany Market. The courts found at the Hall of Justice are the Municipal Trial Courts in Cities. The lone Regional Trial Court of Tagaytay City is situated on another area, at the  Brgy. Kaybagal, which is very much near the Sky Ranch.

I guess we’ll be seeing more of Tagaytay City in the following days to come due to hearings that may be set for our land case. It is refreshing to attend hearings when this is the view that will always greet you.

And of course, this is still the best view when coming up to Tagaytay City… 🙂

Hubby with an up-close view of Taal volcano

The view above is one that we passed by when we went up to Tagaytay City via the Tanauan-Talisay Road (found in Batangas). Friendly advice though, the road that we took is literally not for the faint-hearted, as I myself got so nervous while travelling. Make sure that your driver is very much familiar with the road, as the road is not only steep, there are also sharp curves.

The advantage of traveling via Tanauan-Talisay Road is that you get to pass by the beautiful town of Talisay. When we went there, there were several arches. Our client informed us that the town recently celebrated fiesta (feast) and there was a contest for each town as to who could design the best arch. The price allegedly is half a million. Wow. 🙂

This is one of the arches that we passed by in Talisay, Batangas.

For more Tagaytay posts, click Cavite category found on the right side of the page. 🙂

Bag of Beans at Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City

The last time that I went to Bag of Beans was way back in the early 2000s, when I was still in college. More than ten years has passed… The bakery still looks the same, but this time with lots of new baked goodies.

Inside the homey bakery

The dining area now is more sophisticated, with free wi-fi, lots of cafe umbrellas, lanterns and lamps, and big throw pillows on the wooden chairs for a more comfortable stay while drinking coffee and having conversation. From the bakery, just go on the side exit which would lead you downstairs to their dining area. 

This is our view from where we are seated.

dining area

We got lucky that we were able to seat on one of their comfortable chairs, the wooden ones with big throw pillows. After spending most of the day standing in line at the Sky Ranch, it’s such a relief to be able to sit, relax and unwind at this enchanting cafe, with the cool wind gently tickling our face. 🙂

You rarely get that super-relaxed feeling nowadays…

Of course since it’s so cold, we ordered steaming cups of coffee–perfect for the weather.

I ordered bottomless Houseblend coffee, while my hubby ordered the Kapeng Barako. Between the two, the Houseblend coffee is the better choice. Good thing I got mine bottomless, ‘coz hubby kept drinking from my cup.

Brewed coffee with lots of milk.

The perfect pair for our coffee? Pies! Mine is apple pie.

Hubby ordered shepherd’s pie.

Between the two, again, my order is the better choice. 🙂 Their apple pie spells L-O-V-E. Just thinking about it makes me want to rush back to Tagaytay just to have coffee and apple pie.

Before going home, we passed by the bakeshop again to buy their own version of raisin bread. Hubby wanted to compare it with Baguio Country Club’s raisin bread.

Cheaper than Baguio City Countryclub’s raisin bread

On the other hand, I got an addition to my coffee mug collection. 🙂

When we got out, it was really really cold and windy. Hubby was about to take a picture of the cafe, but the very hospitable lady guard offered to take a picture of us. 🙂

To end this, I’ll be giving my hubby’s verdict on Bag of Beans’ version of raisin bread. For him, it’s better since it’s wheat bread and has more raisins in it. And cheaper. 🙂

One chilly January day at Sky Ranch

at the entrance

Last January 8, 2014 was our 2nd wedding anniversary. We didn’t have time to celebrate as I attended two hearings that day, one in Calamba in the morning and one in Manila in the afternoon. But as they say, better late than never. We had a belated celebration of our anniversary three days later at one of our favorite places in the country, Tagaytay City. This is also the first time that we went there as a couple. 🙂

As mentioned, my hubby and I frequented Tagaytay City several times before, but we were both single then. 🙂 This made our trip extra special, since this is our first time to go to Tagaytay together, and also for us to have the chance to visit and experience the Sky Ranch rides. Actually, there is only one ride that I want to try, and that is the Sky Eye, the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines, with the most fabulous view of the Taal Lake and volcano.

The line at the entrance of the Sky Ranch is very long. It is the weekend after all. But one would not be discouraged with the long line as you would see from afar the huge ferris wheel, the colorful rides, and the seemingly endless blue sky. 🙂

There’s also zipline adventure and we saw this daredevil ride the zipline upside down. 🙂

The entrance fee is PhP100.00, but there’s a 50% off promo when we went there. The other really long line is that one for the rides, as you have to buy tickets for each ride. The ticket for the Sky Eye costs PhP150.00 each.

Once inside the gondola, we noticed that it is not open air. It’s air-conditioned, and there’s a certain quietness while inside the gondola and that unobstructed view of the volcano, the lake, the surrounding provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Cavite.

Inside the air-conditioned gondola.

This is our view of the Sky Ranch while inside the gondola.

View of the Sky Ranch.

It was already late afternoon during our turn to ride the Sky Eye. The view of the sunset and the mountains is really exceptional.

Sunset.

After the ride, there’s that mandatory picture taking in front of the Sky Eye that we have just “conquered”. 🙂

The tallest ferris wheel in the country.

And there’s also that couple selfie with the Taal volcano in the background. 🙂

Taal Volcano from afar.

Ahh, what a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. ❤

Sky Eye: The main attraction of Sky Ranch, Tagaytay City

My first post for 2014 would be about Tagaytay City, as hubby and I experienced first-hand how cold it could be on a January. You would see above the Sky Eye, considered as the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines, which boasts not just its size, but the breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano as well. Expect a series of posts about Tagaytay City, as it’s easy to fall in love over and over again with this city. 🙂

Early morning hearing at Imus, Cavite and Pancakes at Army Navy

While Imus, Cavite is not that far from Manila, still I felt that it would be risky not to leave Manila early for fear that I would be late for my hearing. And so, hubby and I left Manila before 7 ‘o clock in the morning. Travel time took less than an hour. We arrived at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan before 8:00 a.m.

Just enough time for us to have breakfast before the hearing. 🙂

The Bulwagan is near the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. There is an Army Navy near the Bulwagan and we decided to take breakfast first. We were surprised that Army Navy offers pancakes for breakfast. And just add PhP10 and you’ll have unlimited brewed coffee.

 

Hubby quickly devoured the pancakes. He became an instant fan of Army Navy pancakes. 🙂

After breakfast, we went back to the Bulwagan ng Katarungan. This particular justice hall is located near  government buildings, such as the DOJ Agencies building, LTO building, and also the Cavite State University.

 

The hearing was conducted on a Monday. Such a busy morning. (Trivia: Flag ceremonies are conducted at courts every Monday morning, making Mondays busier than usual.)

inside the court

The Bulwagan is really accessible, as it is located near the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. We did not get late even though we came all the way from Manila, since it’s easy to locate. 🙂

Memoirs of Aguinaldo Shrine

The majestic shrine that greeted us

It was a hot and sunny afternoon in Kawit, Cavite that I could not imagine barely a week after that the place would make it to the news and be immersed in floods. 😦

Our hearing at Bacoor got terminated at around 3 ‘o clock in the afternoon and my hubby and I still doesn’t want to go back to Manila. 🙂 Being a History subject fanatic when I was younger, I asked my hubby if we could go to Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. The shrine is not that far from Bacoor and the sight during the ride is really interesting. 🙂

You would see “mini-bus” like the one below all over Bacoor and Kawit (I don’t know about the rest of Cavite). It’s like a hybrid of bus and jeepney. 🙂

The Aguinaldo Park is located in front of the Aguinaldo Shrine. Such a huge and refreshing park.

Flags are all lined up.

This is me and my hubby in front of the “Independence Day balcony”.

The shrine is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, at 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no entrance fee. A “tour guide/historian” will accompany you inside the mansion and tell you stories about the secret passages and the life of the late Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo.

This is the room of one of Emilio Aguinaldo’s sisters.

The Aguinaldos even has their own bowling alley. 🙂

This secret tunnel/passage used to lead to any of the old Catholic churches scattered in the province of Cavite.

At the backyard, the remains of first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo lies therein.

There’s also a souvenir shop at the backyard, where you can buy mementos for the Aguinaldo Shrine tour. 🙂

Overall, it was a quick but eventful tour. The Aguinaldo Shrine made a lasting impression upon us. It was amazing how much the shrine has witnessed in relation to Philippine history. 🙂

Subi-Monte Cafe in Kawit, Cavite

Early this month, I attended a hearing at Bacoor City, Cavite. The hearing was conducted in the afternoon and after it was finished, my hubby and I felt that it is still early to go back to Manila.  And so we went to Kawit, Cavite to try and have coffee at Subi-Monte Cafe, a much recommended coffee shop by my brother-in-law.

There’s a souvenir shop outside

Amadeo Coffee

This coffee shop boasts of Amadeo Coffee, the name coined from the place, Amadeo, which is a municipality in Cavite hailed as the coffee capital of the Philippines.

The cafe also offers hot meals and pastries. For starters, we ordered their combo meals. The one that I ordered consisted of Chicken Alfredo, pineapple pizza slices and chicken lollipop. On the other hand, my hubby ordered lasagna with tuna sandwich and chicken lollipop. Both meals are reasonably-priced and delicious. 🙂

We also got to try their blueberry cheesecake, which my hubby really enjoyed. 🙂

Blueberry cheesecake

We spent the rest of the afternoon at Subi-Monte Cafe in order to relax and avoid traveling during a scorching, hot weather (yes, even if it’s July, it’s quite hot when we went there). The cafe has a shelf full of magazines and pocketbooks, all according to the interests of the customer. There is also free wifi. We were kept busy (due to reading magazines or surfing the net) while we were inside the cafe that we barely noticed the time. 🙂

While reading one of the travel magazines

Before leaving, we also tried their milk tea, or what they call “Subi-MonTEA”. They also have sizes available for their beverages, the biggest size is “Apo” (as in Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines), while the smaller size is “Mayon” (as in Mayon Volcano). 🙂

Apo size milk tea

While the teabag is still attached on the milk tea plastic container, I could not distinguish much the taste of the tea. It was overpowered by the milk.

Overall, the afternoon spent at Subi-Monte Cafe is worth it. We most recommend the Amadeo coffee and blueberry cheesecake. Plus the ambiance is really good, so there is nothing to lose with spending an afternoon at this cafe.

The branch that we visited is found at the Centennial Road in Kawit, Cavite (near Kartini Hotel). I was informed by one of the baristas that they have two more branches, one in the Cavite City proper and the other in Tagaytay City.

An afternoon hearing in Bacoor, Cavite

Early this July, I attended an afternoon hearing at Bacoor City, Cavite, before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

It’s my first time to appear at this city, which added to my excitement as I felt this is both work and pleasure–having been able to travel all the way to Cavite, as I have traveled to its nearby provinces of Laguna and Batangas. 🙂

We attended the hearing at the topmost floor of the building and from there, you will have a glimpse of the Manila skyline.

Since Bacoor City is a coastal town, you would feel as if it’s summer and not the rainy month of July.

After the hearing, we went to Kawit, Cavite to try a highly-recommended coffee shop by my brother-in-law.

See my next post about our coffee experience in Subi-Monte Cafe. 🙂