La Finca: Farm to Table in Tagaytay

Earlier that day, we had our free breakfast at La Finca. We requested for a late check-out and had our lunch in this restaurant again. They are usually closed on Mondays but we were lucky that a family booked for lunch when we were there.

La Finca opened its doors in April 2015 and its menu pays homage to organic and sesonal fresh produce bountiful in its environs. Inspired by the farm to table movement, Chef Butch Zaldarriaga developed the menu to cater to a wide range of tastes and to satisfy cravings at various times of the day.

I loved the interior of this restaurant. It blended so well with the hotel modern design --- wood, steel and fabrics.

They also have outside tables overlooking the majestic Taal lake and volcano!

Since we were still quite full from our heavy Filipino breakfast. We just ordered salad, callos and dessert. We loved everything we ordered! So fresh and delicious!

Chicken Mango Salad

Callos ala Madrilena

Chocolatey Mess

La Finca Tagaytay
Km 58 Domicillo Design Hotel
Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway
Maharlika East, Tagaytay City
0925-6647914 and 0917-5647730

Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro: Great Japanese Food in Tagaytay

We celebrated our Anniversary dinner in Aozora. It's a nice Japanese restaurant on the 2nd floor of Domicillo.

Aozora (Blue Sky) Japanese Restaurant + Bistro - the place where your taste meets the sky. A perfect ambiance for those who crave for extraordinary food in an ultimate dining place. It's a glorious experience, to be eating gourmet authentic Japanese food under the canopy of majestic sky.

Here's our mandatory couple's picture. We looked so fresh after our massage! Hahaha!

April 10 was the Vice Presidential debate. We contiuned watching it at the restaurant.

We started with Aozora Iced Tea, it's made of Pandan, Mint Leaf, Lemongrass and Cucumber. I loved the Salad. Deep-frying the Crabstick was a good idea! Oh, and the veggies were Organic.

Aozora Iced Tea

Aozora Salad

Chef Seiji Kamura is the Head Chef. He used to be the Executive of Tsukiji. That explained why the food was great. For main course, we got Chicken Teriyaki and Beef Sukiyaki.  The Chicken was so tender and flavorful. And the Beef Sukiyaki was perfect for the weather. We finished the entire serving. 

Chicken Teriyaki

Beef Sukiyaki

We enjoyed our Anniversary in Aozora. If you're looking for authentic Japanese Restaurant in Tagaytay, head on to Aozora!

Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro
2/F Domicillo Hotel
Km. 58 Gen. E. Aguinaldo Highway
Tagaytay City, Cavite
0915-5038800 or 0906-3501704

Celebrating our 11th Anniversary at Domicillo Design Hotel Tagaytay

My husband and I decided to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary via a staycation, which we were hoping to be outside the city to maximize our alone time.  Tagaytay seemed to be the best option as it was a short travel from our place in the South, and we were hoping for a cool climate for a change (but I guess anywhere could be cooler than the April Manila weather, hehe).  After much searching for good hotels to try out in Tagaytay, my husband decided to book a stay at Domicillo Design Hotel. 

Domicillo is a Filipino contemporary hotel designed by Budji Layug. When you google his name, this is what you will get according to www.wikipilinas.org.

Antonio "Budji" Layug is the owner of the famous Budji Collections, Inc., known for pieces of furniture that grace some of the world's most respectable and prominent homes and hotels with its traditional Filipino craftsmanship and local natural materials.

This room is their main reception, which also houses their homestore where you can buy various fashion accessories, home decors and personal care products such as massage oil, soaps, etc.

Main Reception

I was lucky to be able to meet the owner, Mr. Rene Alcala, who is also the proud owner of Manila Mirrors. All throughout the hotel, you will see gorgeous pieces from Manila Mirrors, which are also for sale (prices available upon request). After meeting Mr. Alcala, Emman, the General Manager, gave us a tour of the hotel. 

With Domicillo Design Hotel owner, Mr. Rene Alcala (left), and General Manager, Mr. Emman Abergas (right)

I really love their mirrors and furnitures made by Manila Mirrors.

This hall showcased the exhibit, "Dressed to Kill," a tribute to hail our fashion designers in making life fabulously beautiful out of their imagination manifested in the fashion illustrations. The exhibit started April 3 and ended May 3, 2016.

They have 8 stylish rooms designed by Filipino designers. Each room has a different layout and design. But no matter which room you'll get, you will surely love your stay.

They have provided their signature Personal Care products for the guests. Got to try 2 variants, Lavander and Citrus.

5 rooms have direct view of the lake and Taal Volcano from the bedroom windows and verandas. I loved staying in the veranda. Oh, and the management sent red wine when they found out that we were celebrating our anniversary. We loved the hotel's service, very warm and personal. They will give you enough privacy and will professionally serve all your needs.

Before dinner, we had our free couple's massage in the room. Wow! Ang sarap!!! We had a hard time to get up for dinner after our very relaxing massage. We went to Aozora, located at the hotel's 2nd floor for dinner (please see separate post).

We had a restful night after dinner. It was so nice to wake-up with a great view. We had our free breakfast at La Finca. We opted to stay outside to enjoy the cool morning weather and the majestic view of Taal and the lake.

Bangus Breakfast

Longganisa Breakfast

We really enjoyed our stay at Domicillo. We will definitely go back, hopefully soon! It was a great way to spend our anniversary. Loved our staycation!

Domicillo Tagaytay
Km. 58 General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway
Maharlika East, Tagaytay City
(046) 413 3552