A shining star for the cancer patients of The CHILD Haus

This Yuletide season Ricky Reyes Salons all over the Philippines are decorated with colorful Christmas lanterns. These are no ordinary lanterns though. Look closer and on each lantern you will see a red sticker with the words “My Shining Star.”

My Shining Star is a fund-raising project of Ricky Reyes Salons for the benefit of The CHILD Haus. Celebrity hairdresser-philanthropist Ricky Reyes or "Mader Ricky" formed The CHILD Haus as an advocacy that takes care of less fortunate children afflicted with cancer. The CHILD Haus provides free room and board to indigent patients from different provinces who have cancer or other dreaded diseases and have no place to stay in Metro Manila while undergoing medical evaluation or treatment.

Through My Shining Star, anyone can help by going to the nearest Ricky Reyes Salon branch. You can donate any amount. In return one of the Christmas lanterns in the salon will be named after you.

My Shining Star: By sharing your extra cash, a lantern will be displayed in your name.

We got stars named after us!

My Shining Star will culminate on December 16, 2012 with a concert at the Amoranto Stadium featuring some of today’s hottest celebrities. All the Christmas lanterns from all Rickey Reyes Salon branches will also be displayed in the concert venue.

The CHILD Haus

35 Ofelia Street, Road 20, Project 8, Quezon City

tel (02) 454.8064

Taal Vista Hotel: Lush accommodations and stunning views

Taal Vista Hotel is a four star property in Tagaytay famous for having undoubtedly the best view of the world-famous Taal Volcano, which happens to be the world’s smallest active volcano.

I did a quick ocular visit with the Javalava team together with Kristina Gardin and Olga of 8th Wave Corporate Events & Destination Management Agency Singapore.

We entered the hotel’s main entrance and we were greeted by a friendly doorman. The main entrance leads to the reception and the Lobby Lounge where a grand piano is on display. I soon learned that a new, bigger lobby is currently being constructed and will open in a few months.

The Lobby Lounge at Taal Vista Hotel

The Lobby Lounge

Reception

We immediately headed to the rear-side of the hotel to enjoy a late afternoon view of Taal Volcano. Once we got there it’s impossible not to do a photo op. The view was stunning.

From left to right: Olga, Kristina Gardin, Mai Lizada, and My Mama Pia Carballo

Premier Rooms boast of balconies with breathtaking views

We then headed to Cafe on the Ridge. This restaurant serves daily breakfast and lunch buffet and dinner buffet on weekends. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, here guests can indulge in a variety of Continental and Filipino dishes while enjoying the gentle afternoon breeze and panoramic view of Taal Volcano.

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

Cafe on the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel

A small crowd gathered outside the cafe enjoying the afternoon breeze

The hotel has 261 guest rooms fully-equipped with modern amenities... individually controlled air conditioning units, cable TV, fully stocked mini-bar, and Wi-Fi internet access. We checked out the Premier Rooms which boast of balconies with breathtaking views of the majestic Taal Volcano.

Premier Room comes with a day bed

Premier Room

Premier Room toilet

Premier Room has a balcony with an amazing view

Taal Vista Hotel has spacious gardens.

For recreation, guests can relax and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

Taal Vista Hotel is a 26th Apolinario Mabini Award Winner for
being a Person With Disability (PWD) Friendly Establishment.

Taal Vista Hotel was acquired by SM Properties and is now being managed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation together other properties such as Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu, and SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

From left to right: Mawie Apolinario of Taal Vista Hotel, me, and my Mama Pia Carballo

Special thanks to Mawie Apolinario, Events Executive of Taal Vista Hotel, for accommodating our group.

Taal Vista Hotel

Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City

tel (046) 413.1000

Dulang Restaurant at Nurture Spa Village: A delightful gastronomic experience

Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay is popular for spa retreats and one of their latest facilities... glamping, which is short for glamorous camping.

I was surprised to have the most refreshing dining experience when I did my visit with the Javalava team together with Kristina Gardin and Olga of 8th Wave Corporate Events & Destination Management Agency Singapore.

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon and the wind was a bit chilly. Dulang Restaurant, Nurture Spa Village's al fresco restaurant surrounded by lush greenery, provided the perfect setting for our much-needed out-of-town luncheon.

For starters we were served fresh watermelon shakes. The rest of our meal is actually a long list. Here it is.

Kakaibang Lumpia

Kakaibang Lumpia - fried spring rolls stuffed with smoked mackerel, green mango, and cheese with sweet chili dip

Pinakbet Pockets

Pinakbet Pockets - a medley of native vegetables enveloped in Napa Cabbage topped with tomato confit

Nurture's Bulalo

Nurture's Bulalo - vintage soup of slow-simmered beef, bone marrow, and vegetables

Palabok Fresh Spring Rolls

Palabok Fresh Spring Rolls - bihon noodles, shrimp, and smoked mackerel in rice wrapper with shrimp bisque and tofu sauce

Chicken Kare Kare Roulade

Chicken Kare Kare Roulade - French chicken breast stuffed with julienne Kare Kare vegetables under peanut puree sauce. My personal favorite! The fried banana blossom is super yummy :)

Pancit Buko

Pancit Buko - sauteed buko (coconut) strips and vegetables topped with crispy chicken flakes. I first heard of this dish in Tarlac.

Tilapya sa Laing

Tilapya sa Laing - seared Tilapya (St. Peter's Fish) fillet with taro leaves braised in coconut cream, wrapped in banana leaf

Suman at Mangga

Suman at Mangga - suman (sticky rice rolls) with mangga (mango), wrapped in banana leaf and served with native tsokolate (chocolate). Suman, a Filipino favorite, taken to a whole new level of yumminess. This dessert we almost skipped because we were already too full. I'm so thankful we didn't.

From left to right: My Mama Pia Carballo, Mai Lizada, me, Kristina Gardin and Olga 

I have to thank the waiters of Dulang Restaurant for patiently explaining each entree that comes to our table.

I still haven't recovered from the delightful gastronomic hangover caused by our last visit but I will be back soon.

Nurture Spa Village

Pulong Sagingan Barangay Maitim 2nd West, Tagaytay City

tel (046) 544.1070

mobile 0918.8888.SPA, 0917.687.8873

Charmed by Cafe Kapitan Restaurant

Just a few steps away from Marikina Shoe Museum is Cafe Kapitan Restaurant. I decided to bring my guests here for coffee break after marveling at the museum's shoe collection.

Cafe Kapitan Restaurant is located in what appears to be a well-maintained ancestral home. Upon entering the main door you'll find three doors leading to three halls or rooms. When we got there, the largest hall was being used for an MMDA conference. From what I heard this place is also a popular choice for wedding receptions.

Interestingly enough, I found out there's an old well on the ground floor of the building. 

With a spacious lot in front, the structure reminds me of town halls in the provinces. The place is charming, no doubt. I'll definitely come back to bring more guests.

Cafe Kapitan Restaurant Marikina

Cafe Kapitan Restaurant

Kapitan Moy Building J.P. Rizal Street Marikina - Metro Manila

These shoes are made for...

This is Remus Mark, your Manila tour guide, resting at the Zen Garden of Dusit Thani Manila while waiting for guests to return. I wear size 11 1/2, by the way :)