best travel Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center’s Refirme Treatment

July 16, 2013 by Janey

The Spa Wellness is one of my top three favorite spots to go to when I need a lush comfortable almost foolproof massage. Last Saturday, I head to their Fort branch but instead of a relaxing massage, I visited their SKIN clinic. With its award-winning pampering excellence and rejuvenation at its belt, The Spa Wellness has evolved its services with the opening of SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center.

Upon entering SKIN, you’ll feel instantly welcomed by its calming interiors and genuinely smiling receptionists. I was 15 minutes early for my 12nn appointment, thank goodness for easy parking during weekends. I was ushered to one of the rooms where I changed into the robe and relaxed my back on the reclining chair, sipping on The Spa’s signature ginger tea.

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center offers several skin and body services that use state-of-the-art technology, under the care of certified dermatologists in a luxuriously relaxing spa setting. While I wanted to try their Signature Skin Facial for deep cleansing, mild peel and facial massage to nourish my skin, I veered towards something more forward. Refirme. Suitable for my age if I’m trying to keep the concept of “30s as the new 20s.”

A Weekend Getaway at Summit Ridge, Tagaytay

August 4, 2010 by Janey

Bubba and I drove to Tagaytay last Saturday and checked in at Summit Ridge Hotel around 3pm. Right before we reached Summit Ridge, we noticed the low lying clouds from the other side of the hills and the road started to be really foggy. Not long before I got worried about road visibility, Summit Ridge was within sight.

(from Summit Ridge website)

Robinsons Land Corporation opened the doors of Summit Ridge Hotel in June 2009 and guests who visit Tagaytay for its picturesque view of Taal Volcano and its refreshing surroundings and want the modern convenience of a hotel have been welcomed since. It perfectly sits atop Tagaytay Ridge that’s actually 2,000 feet above sea level –the very incentive to take a short drive to Tagaytay, cool climate.

Right beside the hotel is the Summit Ridge Promenade, which is a commercial complex that has quite a number of interesting restaurants that include both the new and the familiar. The roster of dining venues includes Classic Cuisine (C2), Giligan’s restaurant, The Sizzling Pepper Steak, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (perfect for cold weather) and The Coffee Beanery. I was wondering where Sanctuario restaurant was since it wasn’t in its location near the Rotonda. I’m glad to see that it has moved to a better location at the Summit Ridge Promenade.

They also have a few stores for shopping and Fun Time amusement center for the kids or kids at heart. What’s wonderful about this hotel and promenade being owned and managed by the Robinsons group is the fact that they also built a Robinsons Supermarket right next to it, which makes it so convenient to buy necessities that you may need while traveling.

Hotel staff welcomes you by the drop-off point at the car lobby. Step into the sprawling hotel lobby of Summit Ridge that swiftly spells hotel elegance. If only the personnel by the reception is as welcoming and friendly as the ones that greet you by the door, EVEN with a warm smile from ME and a quick pip about the weather outside, I would have definitely felt right at ease. But no. I’ve had friendlier and more accommodating reception from two different lodging places in Tagaytay. I’m happy to note though that that was the only hiccup from our wonderful and relaxed stay at Summit Ridge last weekend.

Our room reservation for that day was for a Twin Classic but since that room specifically offers two single beds, we asked to be upgraded to King Classic that has one King size bed –which is more ideal for vacationing couples.

–

The difference in the rates between a Twin Classic and the King is only PHP 600. You can also get 64sqm suites at PHP 12,000 – PHP 14,000 a night with two balconies, kitchen implements, dinnerware set-up, microwave oven for your leftover food and reheating needs and a built-in kitchen hub –a complete set-up for those who travel and want to play cook or house whichever is the case.

Room Rates:

Twin Classic – P6, 550

King Classic – P7, 150

Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550

Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000

Summit Suite – P14,000

The 32sqm King Classic room looked bigger than its actual size. The room is suitably equipped with 32-inch LCD TV with cable including a channel guide, in-room coffee and tea facilities, a safety box, a spacious shower, telephone, personal fridge, and split-type AC! Best of all, which is really a come-on for folks like me who want to be connected online or do some work on the side, Summit Ridge hotel has in-room Wi-Fi Internet access! And connection is gooooood. *nods*

–

Bubba enjoying the Wi Fi and plurking

–

Squeaky clean bathroom with no moldy smells! 😀

–

I like that they provisioned for a bag rack

–

As mentioned, every room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful and scenic Taal Lake, which is especially lovely in the morning. Bubba spent a good time by the balcony Saturday afternoon as well as Sunday morning.

Another thing that rocks about Summit Ridge is the 24-hour gym!!! I actually brought gym clothes including my iPod and work-out gloves but incidentally, I left my new running shoes! Bubba brought everything from head to toe for workout but guess what, the bed was too cozy that he slept in and ignored his alarm the following morning. Folks who are gym buffs or those who have incorporated working out in their everyday lifestyle need not worry even if they stay out too late exploring Tagaytay –the gym is open anytime if you want to break out a sweat.

–

View of the pool deck from our floor

During that weekend, I think there was a wedding ceremony in Tagaytay (probably Chapel on the Hill) and they decided to do the wedding reception at Summit Ridge. Bubba and I saw the wedding car at the parking lot and guests that were dressed in the nines. Summit Ridge also offers ballrooms for your birthday, wedding and other celebrations, as well as training and functions rooms for business seminars, conferences and team building sessions. What better way to throw a party or an event than in the cool and breezy Tagaytay City, a natural escape from the city.

(from Summit Ridge website)

–

That evening, we were tempted to go to Antonio’s like last time but we decided to try something new. Bubba and I headed out to dine at Taj of Tagaytay (more on this on a separate post) and had a wonderful dinner of Mutton Biryani Rice and Chicken Vindaloo. After stuffing ourselves silly, the comfort of our room was suddenly heavily missed that we decided to head back right after dinner.

–

Summit Ridge Promenade offers live acoustic nights every Saturdays in its open-air lifestyle center from 7pm to 12mn. We caught a bit of the music on our way back to the hotel. The Sky Lounge on the roof deck is also worth a look.

Wine and Coco Bella Chocolates 🙂

That evening, Bubba and I mused whether to read our own books while drinking wine or watch a movie on his laptop. As usual, the latter won and we were immersed with the movie, Uncertainty, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt (who I think is as deep of an actor as Heath Ledger, with deep penetrating eyes and facial expression) until midnight. Movie somehow reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors.

After a long prayer for both our families, sleep beckoned us and we were off to dreamland. A long satisfying, uninterrupted and restful sleep followed and we stretched out our arms to a beautiful sunny morning around 9am.

–

Breakfast that gorgeous Sunday was spent at Annie’s/C2 at the ground floor of Summit Ridge Hotel. There was a lean breakfast buffet set-up awaiting the morning people such as us.

Bubba had a plateful helping of longganisa (local pork sausage), garlic rice, 2 sunny side-up eggs, ham, danggit/tuyo (dried fish) and a bowl of milk and cereals. I wasn’t in a big mood to eat so I had something light –omelet and 1 slice of wheat bread. Bubba had mango juice and hot chocolate while I had pineapple juice.

–

After breakfast, we went to check out the pool area and still spent some quality time lounging in our room before heading out for lunch. Lunch was spent at the enchantingly charming Marcia Adam’s Tuscany (more on this on a separate entry).

–

Having been to Tagaytay countless of times, I thought that I’ve already combed Tagaytay to the grits but there is still so much to discover in the city on the hills –even lofty accommodations in a hotel category such as Summit Ridge Hotel as well as fantastic restaurants around the bend. Tagaytay still never fails to exude that harmony of natural beauty with a bit of urban style. The Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade is one of the best Tagaytay bets for any weekend warrior. Room accommodation is quite sufficient.

Summit Ridge

Km. 58, Maharlika West

Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines

(632) 240 6888

(63) 922 852 6800

reservations@summitridgehotel.com

Summit Ridge Album

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

How to get to Summit Ridge/Directions:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

Take the Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after the tollgates. Keep following the path and you will see signposts along the road directing you to Summit Ridge.

Via Aguinaldo Highway

Go straight towards the Rotonda, then turn right towards the direction of PAGCOR Casino. The hotel is located in front of Josephine’s Restaurant beside Robinsons or Summit Ridge Promenade.

—

6 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: accommodation, activity, address, aircon, Antonio's, Antonio’s, Bar, Batangas, best accommodation, best bed and breakfast, best blog, best date place, best food, best hotels in Tagaytay, best restaurants in Tagaytay, best service, best travel, blogger, boutique hotels, Breakfast, cable, Calaruega, car, ceremony, cheap, cheapest accommodation, Church, City, climate, cold stone facial, cool climate, credit card accepted, day trip, dinner, discount, DVD player, DVDs, Filipino, food blog, food review, free, free body massage, garden restaurant, Good Service, government, hills, honeymoon suites, Hotel, hotel location, hotel review, how much, how to find, how to get there, king size bed, landmark, landmarks, LCD screen, live acoustic nights, location map, Lunch, Marcia Adam’s Tuscany, mayor, menu, Metro Manila, mountains, night cap, night life, ongoing, overlooking, parking lot, peak season, Philippines, Photo, photos, pictures, price, Promo, quick near Manila, rate, rates, reasonable price, reception, restaurant, Restaurants, road map, Robinsons Group, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsonsland, romantic, romantic getaway, room accommodation, rooms, safe, service, SM, Summit Ridge Hotel, Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade, Summit Ridge Promenade, Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, Tagaytay, Tagaytay best restaurants, Tagaytay breeze, Tagaytay church, Tagaytay City, Tagaytay hotels, tagaytay map, Taj of Tagaytay restaurant, Taste Manila, the Promenade, travel, travel blog, trip, tripadvisor, Tuscany restaurant, TV, Vanilla Suites, Video, weather, wedding, weekend getaway, what to order, where to go, where to go in Tagaytay, with view of Taal Lake, zip line, ziplines, ziplining

Summit Ridge Tagaytay Online Promo

July 30, 2010 by Janey

Looking for a weekend getaway? Why not head over to the hills of Tagaytay? 😉

Summit Ridge Tagaytay has a great online promo on accommodation. You still have 2 days left to book 🙂

Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Room rates as low as Php 2,988

Book online from July 16 to 31 and get exclusive room rates!

Stay period: August 1 to September 30, 2010

LIMITED TIME OFFER! BOOK NOW!

Visit www.summitridgehotel.com

*Valid for online bookings only. Subject to room availability. Breakfast not included.

Km 58, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. TEL: (632) 240-6888

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: accommodation, address, aircon, Antonio Escalante, Antonio's, award, Batangas, beef, best date, best dinner date, best fine dining restaurant, best food, best service, best steak in the country, best Tagaytay hotels, best travel, Breakfast, Brgy Neogan, cable, Calaruega, ceremony, cheap, Chef Tony Boy Escalante, Church, cold stone facial, couple, date, discount, DVD player, DVDs, Filipino, free, free body massage, French cuisine, gnocchi, Good Service, hills, honeymoon suites, Hotel, international, king size bed, LCD screen, list, listing, location, Manila, Map, meat, menu, Metro Manila, miele guide, ongoing, online promo, overlooking, Philippines, Photo, pictures, price, Promo, proposal, propose, quick near Manila, rate, rates, reasonable price, reception, recipe, restaurant, restuarants, romance, romantic, romantic getaway, room rates, rooms, service, Steak, Summit Ridge, Taal Lake, Tagaytay, Tagaytay breeze, Tagaytay church, Tagaytay hotels, Taste Manila, travel blog, TV, Vanilla Suites, Venue, Video, village, weather, wedding, wedding reception, weekend getaway, where to bring date, wife, Wine

More Memorable Bantayan Island, Cebu

April 23, 2010 by Janey

April 17-19, 2010 –Our flight was scheduled at 430AM. It was such a déjà vu of our flight to Cebu in 2008.

That Friday night, Bubba had a long meeting at work that ended late. 11pm, we were headed to their place since I was sleeping over. Bubba started to pack for the trip around 1130pm at the same he finalized and printed out the items to do in Bantayan. He finished almost 1am. I think even beyond that but I was already a goner.

The 1-hour sleep didn’t help at all. It took me 5 minutes to force myself off the bed, carry my stuff, and board the cab. I was still so groggy. I groaned upon seeing the big crowd at the airport. I thought at that early in the morning, I wouldn’t see long long lines of people trying to check in. Wrong.

Good thing Cute Bam Bam (a.k.a) as Ethan is with us. Every time you look at his face, our stress seems to melt away. After paying the terminal fee of P200 per head and security check, we all had quick bites at Ya Kun Kaya. What a surprise that Bubba had to insist on getting a Yin-Yang before getting served one.

My energy seemed to surge when Bubba whispered, “it’s Billy.” I looked at the last security check area and said, “No, that’s not him.” Bubba said, “It’s him.” I perked right up. “Are you sure?” Another glance and I was convinced.

I’m not really much of a fan girl. There’s nothing really wrong with being one but I’m not seriously that stirred with the local actors/actresses. Other than Derek Ramsay, Jay-R and Billy Crawford, I wouldn’t even bother to care. Derek Ramsay has the most amazing bod in the local scene now and I’ve always liked him even when he was still barely known as a model (I had the chance to meet him briefly once but I seriously doubt he remembers at all). I generally like dark men (excuse me Bubba) and a sun-kissed man with great smile and eyes like Derek’s, surefire head turner. Jay-R and Billy are not dark but they swoon me away with their albums and dancing prowess.

Back to the airport, Bubba said he’d ask Billy for a posterity photo with us. I was soooo shy and really hesitant to do it. Survivor Africa’s Ethan Zohn was in Manila in 2004. I am his biggest fan in PI. I attended the meet and greet event at Capones but couldn’t even look him in the eye or be anywhere within a few feet from him. I think it was both SE and my college soul sistah King who got the autograph and photos. Even at the worst El Niño, I’d really freeze right where I’m standing.

Good thing Jayme was up for it. Even at 5 am with barely any sleep, he was kind enough to give us a smile. I loved his NY shirt and Yankees cap.

Boarded the plane and in less than 2 hours, Cebu’s fresh air welcomed us. The private service we hired brought us to the port, where we rode a ferry to Bantayan Island. 2 or 3 hours land travel and 1-hour ferry ride.

–

There are resort services waiting at the port to bring you to the respective resorts. We stayed at Kota Beach Resort.

–

After settling in, we rode the “padyak” (PHP 40/head/roundtrip) to get to the Santa Fe Beach Resort where we had lunch. The restaurant’s menu is mostly Chinese cuisine. We had our fill and headed back to our resort.

–

A bit after lunch, Jayme, Rosette, Oliver, Bam Bam and the parentals spent the afternoon at the beach. Bubba and I were knocked out since we were only running on a 1-hour sleep for 2 days.

–

Evening came and we walked towards the street where most of the bar-restaurants are. Choice of the night was at the Portuguese restaurant Bubba picked. That Saturday night, they had a buffet spread for PHP250 per head.

The Portuguese owner is actually the one who was manning the grill. Included in the buffet is unlimited fresh seafood and meat for grilling.

After our hefty dinner, we dropped by the restaurant across where we ate and saw their scrumptious spread as well. Their Saturday buffet goes for PHP290 per head but they seem to have more dishes available. We planned to eat there the next day but were told by the owner that they only have the buffet special every Saturday.

–

Dinner done and Jayme, Bubba and I watched Big Bang Theory until we called it a night.

April 18, Sunday –Next day, we all had breakfast at our resort’s restaurant before heading to Virgin Island. Virgin Island was supposed to be part of our trip last time we were in Cebu but Travel Factor decided to go straight to Malapascua Island, where Bubba was itching to go diving to see some Tresher sharks –good thing they don’t allow unless you’re a licensed diver.

It was a short 20-30 minute boat ride to Virgin Island from Bantayan.

–

More Virgin Island Photos

–

Bubba, Jayme, Oliver and Rosette all went snorkeling. I stayed behind to play with Bam Bam. Auntie took Bam Bam to the water with some shade and taught him his first swimming lesson. He was utterly cute! That got me in the water and I kept snapping away photo after photo.

Not long after, we had our lunch cooked by the beach by our guide. The guerilla lunch on the table included grilled liempo, shrimps, squid and fish.

After lunch, the foursome continued to swim but I opted to stay behind again to read my book. But I fell asleep in the hammock.

Around 4pm, we bid Virgin Island adieu and headed back to Bantayan Island.

–

That afternoon until sunset, the whole family plus Rosette and I all lounged by the beach, enjoying the serene beach and relaxing water. We all liked the sand bar of our resort! \m/

Takes and Outtakes

–

I like this shot of father and son.

(just don’t mind the kids on the background)

–

Bubba playing with Jem’s Hat

–

Bam Bam grabbing my face 🙂

–

“The Flower Shot” by Jayme

–

Time is well spent with family 🙂

–

It was fun taking photos of the beach and of everyone. Keepsake photos!

April 19, 2010 –Monday, Bubba and I strolled along the beach soaking in the morning sun and our weekend away from the city. Last year at Sorsogon was fun, but I really enjoyed this year’s trip to Bantayan much more.

–

Water is soooo clear.

–

Funny, Bubba and I were in Bantayan in August 2008 but we both don’t have any recollection of the trip. We barely remembered Bantayan that year… only bits of Malapascua and Cebu City with Norman. But Bantayan was zero.

That’s changed this year.

Most definitely.

—

Zubuchon on the next post!!! 😉

Bantayan Island Album (Jem’s Camera)

Bantayan Island Album (My Cam)

—

14 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: 2010, accommodation, Airport, Anthony Bourdain, April 2010, Bam Bam, bantayan island, beachfront, best food blogger, best lechon, best skin, best travel, Billy Crawford, boat ride, camera, casa, Cebu, cebu city, Cebu Lechon, Cebu Pacific Sale, Cebuanos, charring, cheap summer vacation, Chicharon Bulaklak, coals, contact number, cook, crispy, delicious, delivery, diving, Ethan, family vacation, fee, Filipino dishes, Filipino way, flavorful, herbs and spices, Holiday, house, how much, how to get there, island fee, lechon, license, list of resorts in Cebu, location, Malapascua Island, Manila, Market Manila, MarketManila, May 2010, meat, native pig, one day in advance, one whole order, Photography, pig, pinoy, pork, pork roast, Post, private car, private service, rate, resorts, review, Sabroso, Sabroso Lechon, sand bar, seen, Sinigang na Lechon, slow roasted, slow roasting, Spot, spotted, Summer 2010, tasty, Terminal 2, travel blog, travelogue, Vacation, Venue, Virgin Island, Western Visayas, where is beach getaway, white beach, Ya Kun Kaya Airport, Zubuchon

Vanilla Suites, Tagaytay

November 3, 2009 by Janey

October 24, 2009. A hidden gem was discovered in Tagaytay.

Most hotels were fully booked that weekend. There were 2 more rooms available at a certain bed and breakfast hotel, price range PHP 7,000 -8,000, which include all the pampering works. If the reception weren’t snooty as usual (first visit here was the same), a room would have been booked. Decided to take a chance elsewhere and while going around, like an answered wish, we chanced upon Vanilla Suites.

Vanilla Suites’ 3 Rooms:

Classic Suite

Includes flat screen TV, cable TV, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, equipped DVD player, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 3,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 4,950

Holiday: PHP 5,445

Garden Suite

Includes LCD TV, Cable TV, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 4,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 5,950

Holiday: PHP 6,545

Honeymoon Suite

Includes LCD TV with Home Theater, Cable TV, glass walls, overlooking Taal Lake, Wi Fi Internet, king size bed, mini-refrigerator, breakfast for two, cold stone facial, and body massage for two

Monday – Thursday rate: PHP 5,950

Friday – Sunday rate: PHP 6,950

Holiday: PHP 7,645

*Rates are VAT-inclusive and there is no service charge.

All three rooms were quite inviting. I liked the Garden suite but to spare 1K, opted to get the Classic suite. It was as cozy and dreamy. We were served our welcome drinks in the room while we settled in.

I didn’t want to leave the room but we had dinner reservations at Antonio’s. We were back a little past midnight and the ambience was the perfect setting for a long relaxed sleep.

The next morning, it was good to go out and feel the Tagaytay breeze. The morning was lovely, the sun giving a tender peck on the skin. There’s a short patch leading to a swing on the lower area and we decided to take a walk before breakfast.

Breakfast was served by Rosso Café | Ristorante (same management as the one in Manila). The friendly service was professional, efficient and accommodating. Vanilla Suites is also accepting wedding reception among other events. The packages are quite reasonable. It’s worth a look for those planning to wed soon.

After the breakfast, we rested and scheduled our cold stone facial and massage.