T for Two

Four years.

It's been four years since I was a bride. Then I turned into a wife. And now a mother of two.

I'm guessing my almost five months of absence in the blog world is already an indication of how hectic work life has been. Hubby and I have just been shuttling in and out of the house to work, sleep, eat, work again. This was why I wanted to celebrate our wedding anniversary by going out of town.

I took a leave on our anniversary date and after we dropped off our eldest at school, we took off for Tagaytay. I made reservations at T-house, a quiet, little boutique hotel nestled at the Tagaytay Ridge. If you took the Sta. Rosa road like we did, take a left and you'll see T-house on your left in less than 5 minutes, of driving that is. If you pass by a church, the Ina ng Laging Saklolo, you've missed it. The church and T-house are literally next door neighbors.

I made reservations for lunch -- for two. You could say it was simply serendipitous that since hubby has been recently on a healthy-eating streak, T-house was the perfect choice. We usually celebrate our anniversary at hotel or restaurant buffets because of hubby's insatiable appetite but this year was different. (Although I did bring my Mandarin GCs for a possible buffet dinner too, in case he got hungry later on. Haha.)

So off we went to Tagaytay. To set the mood, hubby was playing some songs from his ipod, songs which were played and sung during our wedding ceremony and reception. Awww.

Fortunately, the traffic was light that day at SLEX and in about an hour and 15 minutes, we arrived at T-house. It was everything the website said it would be. Once you enter, you would want to stay the entire day, or even overnight. Birds were twittering, fountains a-gurgling, the T-house staff moving about -- unhurriedly gardening and spreading out new table cloths for the outdoor tables. It was I like I died and went to stress-free heaven. A momentary escape from the endless clicking of keyboards, tooting of horns and neverending meetings. I've been kidding my officemates recently that my life has become a series of meetings, peppered with oculars and events. Even my gym instructor and massage therapist have been a cause of stress because they've been constantly calling and texting me to book a schedule with them. Talk about pressure.

But back to my Zen moment.

Happily, and slowly walking -- gliding is more like it -- through the Zen-inspired pathways, looking above at the fruit bearing trees where T-house gets the harvest for making their own fruit jams, I was living in the moment of tranquility. Darn, I can live like this!

The sofas at the reception area

The dining area - al fresco on the 2nd floor and indoor on the ground level

Entry to the dining room

It was a late lunch so hubby and I went straight to the dining room which was, unlike city restaurants, uncluttered and relaxing. You'd really think time was suddenly slower than usual so you could enjoy your meals properly. Bite, taste, chew, savor. It was like the movie Ratatouille's lead character, Remy the Rat, delightfully relishing every flavor and texture of the food he ate versus my daily "I-just-need-to-eat-now-so-I-can-meet-a-deadline" kind of lunch.

We had two different set lunches so that hubby and I could poke each other's food and taste more for our first visit. In our excitement, or maybe due to hunger, we weren't able to take photos of the first part of the meal, the soup. T-house usually serves four kinds, although one of the flavors, Broccoli and Almond was not available so I had a double dose of the Carrot and Coriander soup. My hubby is not a big fan of mushrooms, except perhaps for Mushroom burger, so I finished his mushroom soup as well. He liked his tomato soup so much that I only managed to grab half a spoon just to taste it.

Next was the salad. I must say I loved the smokey flavor of the grilled vegetables, laced with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Hubby's salad was sweeter, with slivers of dried mangoes and cubes of kesong puti (white cheese).

T-house salad on top, grilled vegetable salad bottom

I was busy taking photos outside the dining area when the main course arrived so I wasn't able to take a picture of hubby's rack of ribs before he dove into the perfectly mashed potatoes. I have very bad photos of my own meal, a fillet of mahi-mahi with a sauce whose name I forgot that camouflaged slices of mushroom and capsicum. Yey! More mushroom for me! Somewhere between tasting hubby's dish and finishing my own, I actually felt full already. Imagine that. Ready for my dessert!

The mahi-mahi. I warned you it was a bad photo. :-P

And there it was, two shot glasses filled with mango and green tea panna cotta.

Mango Panna Cotta & Green Tea Panna Cotta

Banana-langka crumble

Knowing me, I would've finished both flavors as well as hubby's banana-langka crumble which was piping hot enough for the sweetness to slither its way from my tiny spoon to my tongue. Oooh. But alas, I wasn't able to finish dessert. Perhaps the peace I was imbibing from my surroundings was enough to satisfy me. The food had served its purpose of nourishing me. Yet my soul was the one who was yearning for more. A tiny voice was nagging me as our car exited T-house's driveway -- "Do I really need to go back to work tomorrow?"

That's me and hubby with our unica hija, Iya.
Behind us is T-house's display case of homemade fruit jams, bagoong and cookies.

In the car, I was already conniving with hubby to spend New Year's Eve at T-house so I could get the total T-house experience. I gave myself a mental note: Must reserve soon, because December is usually fully booked.

Since Tagaytay weddings have become popular, I would recommend T-house either as a preparation venue for the bridal party and/or where you can have your honeymoon. Complete with a spa, T-house is really the venue that will help you relax as you go through your last minute wedding preps.

You might even want to consider giving away T-house goodies -- fruit jams or cookies or even the treats from the spa like soaps, scrubs, even mosquito repellants.

I wasn't able to inquire whether the next door neighbor (Ina ng Laging Saklolo) accepts weddings, but if they do, you can at least be sure that the bride or groom won't be late for the ceremony. :-)


T House
3195 Calamba Road, Tagaytay City
(046) 4830011, (046) 4830012
0922-8THouse, 09163684918, 09289409954
www.THouseTagaytay.com

Mind your french

I really don't know what it is that fascinates me about France -- or things that are french. I haven't even been to France. The closest encounter I've had with anything french is my french language class in college. That is why, unfortunate as it may be, I can only mutter a few french words. I was glad I took that class because when I visited Montreal, Quebec, I would've scalded my hands at a public restroom had I not understood what F (froid) and C (chaud) meant.

Maybe it's because of all the movies I've watched that portrays France, specifically Paris as one of, if not THE most romantic city in the world. I would really love to visit the Louvre and spend an entire day looking at probably the most beautiful collection of sculptures and paintings of all time. I would love to sample different wines and cheeses or nurse a cup of chocolat chaud in a Parisian cafe while savoring the sights and scents of the city. Dessert Comes First even featured this city a few years back and boy, was I green with envy.

I could get lost in the streets of Paris, simply looking at pretty little shops or visit a quaint little marketplace and just be delighted with familiar produce with french names. Simple joys, really.

I can't say I'm interested in fashion or buying designer bags or shoes. I remember watching The Devil Wears Prada and the snooty assistant was so eager to go to Paris for the annual fashion festival. Ho hum, I say. I'd rather spend an entire day at a bakery or pastry shop. Whatever the reason is for my affection with France, I'm definitely not leaving this world until I set foot where the Eiffel Tower is located. :-)

Back here in Manila, should you decide to put a little french touch to your wedding, aside from Le Souffle at the Fort and the Champagne Room at The Manila Hotel which both serve impeccable food, you might want to check out some places I've visited recently:


Cuillere (kwee-yer) is one of those restaurants in Serendra I've been wanting to visit since last year. Whenever I'm in Serendra, I only get as far as checking out the stores in Bonifacio High Street and then reward myself with Sonja's cupcakes. Last week, my sister and I finally had the time to enter the little French cafe in Serendra that is Cuillere. From the outside, it really looks like one of those Parisian cafes I only see in photos and movies. Inside though, it's a regular restaurant with one of the walls painted with flowers.

My sister ordered pasta and I ordered the baked chicken. Might not have been the best in the menu, but it was ok for my first visit. I did enjoy my milkshake though -- I guess this is because the owners are the same makers of Arce Ice Cream. Slurp.

Cuillere caters for weddings and corporate events and has established itself as one of the best caterers in the Metro Manila.


January of this year, the owners of Firma opened a new shop in Greenbelt 5, AC+632. I never really thought about why the store was named as such until I told my boss about it and she told me that it was "area code +632" -- Manila's area code. Ohhhkayyy.

Soap chips (pick your scent!)

Honey and jams

Tea

Fancy plates and cups

I was just curious what the store offered and discovered delightful things inside that could either be wedding gifts (for the couple), souvenirs or entourage gifts. It had fancy soaps, incense, tea, colorful plates and cups, garden tools, accessories, journals, and I went out of the store with a new pair of earrings. If you want wedding keepsakes with a french "feel" to it, AC+632 might just be the place you're looking for.

Big and small weddings (and attending during the ceremony only)

Last December, I attended the wedding of my hubby's churchmate, Dindin. Actually, the last I heard was they she and her boyfriend (now husband), Nickson(?) had broken up so I was surprised to find out that they were getting married. Most of the people close to Dindin and Nickson were able to witness the couple’s challenges prior to the date at the altar. But as they say in the vernacular, “pagkahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang uwi” (or something like that). Some people may think of challenges prior to a marriage as something short of a premonition of things to expect in the future. On the other hand, if two people can overcome whatever problems are thrown at them before the marriage, everything else that happens after the wedding may just be a walk in the park.

It was an intimate affair wherein both the ceremony and reception was held at a quaint events venue in the heart of Marikina. Sadly, some of the guests were not able to make it due to the inevitable Christmas rush. Hubby and I, after finishing the ceremony weren't able to stay for the reception as well because of work. That said, it was heartwarming to see all of Dindin's friends and relatives wiping tears of joy during the ceremony.

A month after Dindin’s wedding, hubby and I attended the wedding of young actress Maybeline dela Cruz and her now husband, Mike who currently holds public office in Dagupan where the newlyweds are now based.

Now, we all know what usually happens when we mix showbiz weddings with politics…chaos! Kidding aside, half expecting a battalion of bodyguards and wedding coordinators running amuck, I was so glad to see that I was the only one walking around Manila Cathedral taking as many photos as I could to preserve memories of what must've been one of the most elegantly, solemnly executed weddings in the last decade or so. No paparazzis, no overly glaring lights, no screaming and whining children from the entourage, all cameras were set near the altar and during the exchange of vows, you could've heard a pin drop. Definitely NOT your typical showbiz nor political wedding at all! I guess it helped that Manila Cathedral, a favorite venue for grand weddings, has strict guidelines when it comes to the ceremony requirements. First time photographers and videographers have to go through a seminar before the wedding to ensure that they follow the Cathedral’s rules and regulations.

Kudos goes to the couple, especially Maybeline who personally chose the wedding details and supervised everything from start to finish. It was even raining that day, and her reception was held by the poolside of the Coconut Palace with over 500 guests all over the country. But bless Maybeline, her positive outlook and personality wasn't affected by anything.

Sadly, again, because of work, hubby and I couldn’t make it to the reception. I would’ve wanted to see the all-white floral set-ups, Maybeline serenading her husband, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. Sigh.

Here are some of the photos I took before hubby and I made a french exit:

A full shot of the altar and the couple

During the homily

The vows

Calla lillies on the wedding car for the all-white wedding theme

To Dindin and Nickson, Maybeline and Mike, Congratulations and best wishes!

27 dresses

from http://www.27dressesthemovie.com

About two weeks ago, my youngest sister convinced me to watch 27 dresses starring Katherine Heigl. Not that I wasn't planning to watch it considering that it's a movie about weddings (which I love), but it was just out of a whim that night. Halfway through the movie, I found myself swooning over James Marsden.

For those who haven't watched it yet, 27 dresses is about Jane, a perennial bridesmaid who loves weddings and puts everyone's needs before her own. (I can so relate -- but then again, I was always a host, never a bridesmaid!)

Not only does the movie poke fun at weddings and brides who force their bridesmaids to wear dreadful dresses -- some of them with crazy themes, it also has a more semi-serious note to make sure you know your groom- or bride-to-be well enough before you marry him (or her). I really don't want to be a spoiler so I'll let you all watch the movie and hope you enjoy as much as I did.

A new year's eve marriage proposal

Happy new year!

* * *

Being the kitchen-challenged gal that I am, I decided to order food for New Year's Eve dinner at La Cocina de Tita Moning, a 1937 ancestral house in the district of San Miguel, Manila. I've only dined here once and I've been meaning to try out their other menus but I've been postponing like anything. Maybe it's because the place is so near to where I live that I want to try other restaurants somewhere not so close to home -- like somewhere which requires me to pay toll. Haha.

Going to La Cocina has been a tradition for me and hubby during the Christmas season because this is where we buy gifts for friends and relatives. Everyone raves about the Queso de Bola spread and other goodies you can only buy at La Cocina like the Salsa de Monja, a tangy side dish made of pickled shallots and olives.

For some reason, ancestral houses fascinate me and that's what first attracted me to La Cocina. There's something about historical things that make me gush. So when I first dined at La Cocina, it was a historically sensory experience for me -- the antique china and flatware, the vintage collections in the different rooms of the house, and most especially, the heirloom recipes.

The antique armoires and modern-day refs that showcase La Cocina's bottled goodies (walnut vinaigrette, tomato sauce, bagoong, lengua de gato, bread pudding, salsa de monja and the famous queso de bola spread)

For new year's eve, I ordered two days in advance their slowly roasted pork with candied camote and their famous bread pudding. On new year's day lunch, my cousins didn't give the bread pudding a chance to settle -- it was gone within minutes, and to think I ordered the biggest size. Yup, that's how good it is.

As chance would have it, when I picked up my order on new year's eve, there was a table setting for a couple. The attentive staff told me that the man was going to propose that evening. How's that for starting the new year? Awww.

On the second floor was a dinner setting for a couple on New Year's Eve. They were still munching on appetizers at the patio when I took this photo.

Couldn't resist taking a photo of Tita Moning's wedding gown which I was told has been passed on (and used by the succeeding female Legardas)

Hubby and I once considered La Cocina de Tita Moning as a possible wedding reception venue considering its proximity to San Beda Church where we got married. However, the dining room can only accomodate a maximum of 30 heads and we were estimating 150 guests. Using the garden and patio area was not an option because we wanted a morning wedding and that would mean exposing our guests to the sun and heat for a lunch reception. Yes, I suppose we could've used tents but still, it may have been humid for an August affair.

With the limitations of the venue yet thinking of the good food, I would recommend having a Despedida de Soltera or like some bachelors have done, stage your marriage proposal at La Cocina for a romantic turn of the century feel.

La Cocina de Tita Moning
Address : #315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel District, Manila
Telephone Number : (+632) 7342146 / (+632) 7342141
Facsimile Number : (+632) 7342141
Mobile Number : from Overseas : +639175383490
(look for Suzette Montinola)
from Manila : 09175315203
Email address : talktous@lacocinadetitamoning.com
http://www.lacocinadetitamoning.com/

ALL LUNCHES AND DINNERS ARE STRICTLY BY RESERVATION

Nail it!

Years ago, I never thought a nail spa would be a business that was going to be booming in this country. After all, why specialize in something that regular beauty salons were already offering? And at prices where it was usually twice the amount I've had to pay at regular salons? It just didn't make sense.

Now, I've become a regular nail spa patron. With all those nail spas mushrooming all over the metro, no one has an excuse not to have their nails cleaned and preened like dogs. Haha. In the QC area, I discovered a quaint and not too expensive nail spa called the Nail Loft. They have very accommodating nail technicians, and use clean (uh, what do you call them? nail gadgets?). Their price range is very affordable that it won't make you feel guilty to have a hand and foot spa plus manicure and pedicure and throw in some eyebrow threading and a little hair treatment. Oops. My kikay side is showing.

I recently went to their newest branch at Jose Abad Santos Street in Greenhills (perpendicular to Wilson before you hit P. Guevarra if you're coming from Ortigas Avenue). It is by far the biggest yet coziest of the branches, the staff tell me. Aside from hair and nail services, they also have two beds for simple body massages.

Knowing how wedding preps can rattle brides (and her entourage's nerves), I suggest you go and turn off your celphones and spend a girly day at a nail spa like the Nail Loft and prepare your hair, nails and skin for your big day.

The Nail Loft
140 Sct. Gandia St., Quezon City
9260900
Unit 7 Diliman Comercial Center, Commonwealth Ave. Quezon City
4286423
Unit 20-C Carmel Ave., Project 6, Quezon City
453-6600
Tuesday-Sunday 10am-9pm
Closed on Mondays
Spa parties and home spa services available

A New Leaf

About a month ago, I went to S&R at the Fort to with my family to check out what new stuff I could get my hands on --- going to the grocery is therapy for me --- so I took the opportunity to check out the newest Events venue that side of town, The Blue Leaf.

As timing would have it, Josiah's was having a food tasting event that day, although I didn't stay long to enjoy Josiah's sumptuous menu. I was able to have a brief tour of the place, one hall of which wasn't fully completed yet.

The pond in between the Silk and Banyan pavilions.

Josiah's had their set-up in the biggest venue -- Banyan Pavilion which can accomodate about 300 pax. Adjacent to the Banyan Pavilion is the Jade Pavilion which can accomodate 200 pax so it is an optional hall to rent in case you have 500 guests. A separate venue, the Silk Pavilion can accomodate around 250 pax and unlike the two other venues, the Silk Pavilion has a circular/polygonal lay-out.

Outside the Silk Pavilion

Set-up by Josiah's at the Banyan Pavilion

Although the Blue Leaf gardens are already well manicured for nice photo ops and their facilities are ready to accomodate events, I would recommend holding your event at night to avoid seeing the unfinished buildings surrounding the area. The rental fee would cover the following:

Airconditioning charges
Pavilion sound system
Pavilion projector and screen
Use of VIP Lounge and Caterer's Area
Ample parking space
5 hours use of the pavilion
3 hours for ingress and egress

Other Charges:
Venue Rental in excess of 5 hours P5,000.00/hour
Electrical Charges for live band/mobile P5,000.00

Security Deposit:
P20,000 to be refunded with 10 days after the event.

Accredited Caterers:

Mandarin Oriental Manila
Boutique Caterers, Inc. (Kai)
Cuillere
Gourmandise
K by Cunanan
Josiah's
Albergus
Hizon's

Here are some photos I took as well as some photos sent to me by their very helpful Events Manager, Eia Dy.

The Jade Pavilion

The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion
100 Park Avenue
McKinley Hill Village
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
632 898-BLUE(2583)
917 831-1718

Inside InStyle Weddings

The other night, I made a new wedding-related purchase -- because my conscience kept reminding me I hadn't made one in quite a while. I went to the newest Powerbooks branch in Trinoma and took a peek in the In Style wedding book and the next thing I knew, I was handing over my credit card to the cashier.




The book not only has beautiful, drool-worthy wedding photos of celebrities but also tips in helping brides-to-be coordinate their own weddings. Inside, you'll be able to pick a few ideas how you'd like your dress to look like, the kind of ceremony/reception venues suitable for the kind of ceremony you'd want to have, cakes and different kinds of flavors/icings you'd probably want to consider, and other tips on other wedding essentials.


A classic find indeed. I normally look at wedding books whenever I go to the bookstore and just pick up inspiration but these are the rare books that I purchase when a lot of what's inside aren't really just trendy stuff but information for brides beyond my generation.


Am starting to love Trinoma. It almost feels like Makati has come to QC! Yippee!