Balay Indang (Red Ginger Farm and Garden) – A Weekend Paradise

I could be the worst critic at times because I usually become the easiest person to please. But hopefully, I am perfectly right in telling that Balay Indang is your perfect place to unwind from your stressful life in the Metro.

The two-day vacation was a birthday treat for me last May 2012. I did not find it hard to get a reservation because there are a lot of blog sites talking about this quiet and secluded place in Indang, Cavite. Although the place did not have an official site during the time I was collecting information about it, unlike Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay, the owners relied on people who have visited the place to spread their experiences. But just a few weeks ago, I came across http://cavite.info/mywebsite/balay-indang.html which pretty much their new way to promote the place.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get there is to go to Tagaytay City and follow the Mendez - Tagaytay road until you reach: 88 Mahabang Kahoy, Indang, Cavite. If you are going to use Google Map, the mark is about one kilometer over from the actual location of Balay Indang from Tagaytay City. The GPS kept telling us, “You have reached your destination…” but not really. Because of this, we had several back and forth’s before we finally reached the place! Tsk tsk tsk.

The entrance is behind a huge wooden gate marked number 88 on the left side of the wall and there is a huge chance for you to miss their signage because of its visibility and it blends along the road. Just pay more attention on the left side of the road. If you will come from north via Trece-Indang road, you should be able to see it on the right.

      

Activities

When we decided to go there, our intentions were to rest on their serene rooms, commune with nature and enjoy their sumptuous food – and we did!

Jogging or Biking around the perimeter. The place is surrounded by a meter-wide pathway within its 2-heactare land which enables guests to bike, walk or jog around. Just don’t forget to put on some mosquito repellant lotion on your skin if you want to be safe from insect bites. Also, watch out for bees and ants all over the place.

There is also an area where you can walk barefoot on the stonebed and it will massage your feet while walking on it. On the other end, there are sets of stone blocks in different heights which you have to balance yourselves while hopping on them. These are interesting activities and you should try it!

Swimming. The pool is open until 11:00PM daily. The deepest end is 7 feet while the shallow end is safe for the kids to swim. In case you happen to be with other guests in big groups or company outings, you might not enjoy swimming at some point because I think it is not enough to accommodate big groups all at once. But during lean season, you will find this place very relaxing, together with their cozy cabanas and the warm water in the pool.

Billiards, Darts and a number of Board Games. If you like indoor type of activities, you will enjoy this part of Balay Indang. This part is located at the house beside the main building.

Picture Taking. Who doesn’t love taking pictures? We are all about preserving memories especially those happy ones. The garden is the best part to take lovely pictures. There are lots of wild colorful flowers, lovely cabanas and beautiful landscapes – perfect backdrop for your next profile picture! LOL! You will also be able to catch the lovely sunrise and sunset.

Don’t forget the interesting pieces inside the main guesthouse. There are a lot of vintage items, paintings, sculptures and figurines which complete the rustic and classic theme of Balay Indang.

Basketball, Tennis and Badminton. On the left of the main entrance, there is an area for bus parking and courts for outdoor games like basketball, badminton and tennis. Most company outings do their team building activities in this area.

The Food

The food is served 5 times within the day – breakfast, morning snack, lunch, midday snack and dinner – which you can request for another round unlimitedly until you pass out. Hehehe! So make sure to reserve some space for the next one. The food is good, comfy food and mostly home-cooked. It was like your Grandma cooking for you on a perfect weekend. :-)

Most fruits and vegetables are grown on their gardens so you can feel the freshness! If you are conscious about the food or you have known allergies, do not hesitate to inform the manager about your needs. They will surely attend to it.

Rates

Balay Indang changes all-inclusive rate of P2,500.00 per person per night for a minimum of 4 people. If you are going to dine only, buffet dinner will cost you P600.00 per head. For an overnight stay with buffet breakfast only, they will charge you for P1,200.00 per head.

I would recommend that you call the owner, Ms. Marge, before visiting. This will give ample time to haggle. ;-)

Marge Tan
Balay Indang
88 Mahabang kahoy Cerca, Indang, Cavite
(+6346) 775-6886
(+63917)866-5825
info@balayindang.com

Joy
(+63917) 837-4261

Blackbeard’s Seafood Island Restaurant, Mall of Asia

Wakeboard on the wall

A view of the sea (Manila Bay), surf board hanging on the wall, boat-like design of the ceiling, waiters wearing nice hula shirts are just some of the things will catch your eyes in this restaurant and could make you feel you are on the beach.  

One thing I love about this place is that even if you are on a budget, you can still eat like you have three stomachs or until your neck gets numb and can’t feel your toes anymore. Hahaha! Watch out diet-conscious people out there… this is not a good place for you! ^_^v

Actually, it was our pre-valentine date when we had our first visit on this place. We were actually looking for a place to chill out and try out something new. We walked our way to San Miguel bay area at the north west side of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, just in time for Marc’s photowalk, while their large posters caught our attention. Nothing discourages us about seafood, basta seafood go na go kami! Marc and I feasted Palawan Shores from a wide range of boodle feast selections on their menu. They have two serving choices for their boodle feasts: good 3-4 persons & 5-6 persons. Well, you can only make the most out of their servings if you are on a group. They also have single orders on their menu if you don't feel like feasting about seafood. 

Palawan Shores

For more of their menus and contact numbers, you may visit http://www.munchpunch.com/2949/blackbeards-seafood-island-market-market/menu

Blackbeard's Seafood Island Mall of Asia (MOA)

Bldg. G SPACE 15 & 16, North Lighthouse
SM by the Bay, Seaside Blvd. 
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
+639273118213

It was a fun experience! We did not use plates and ate on banana leaf. If you order any boodle feast menu, the food will come in on a pre-arranged table top together with the banana leaf and the food, ready to be served on top your table. Do not forget to ask for a basin of water with lemon so that if you feel like using your hand in doing the crabs or clams, you are ready to roll!

Dapitan's Pride

We loved our first visit so much that we did not hesitate to have our dinner again there for the second time. We momentarily forgot about “trying something new”.. sa susunod na lang. Hehehe. That time, we ordered Dapitan’s Pride. We were happy and satisfied customers that night.

For the third time, I took my family here with me to celebrate Tatay’s 72^nd birthday last March 25. It was a perfect place for us because besides being seafood addicts, we are all extremist boodle feasters in the family! Another plus is that they serve fresh buco, which I really really love!

We ordered Tali Beach and Chang China Chow!

Here's my niece enjoying her Fresh Buko

Tatay's birthday... He was opening crabs for us :-)

Paalala po pala, if you go on a Sunday, please bring with you an extra patience to wait for your food to be served completely because Sunday’s are family day and people go on this place in large groups. Your order may take about 30-40 minutes. ^_^v 

Visa and MasterCards are accepted. 

Other photo credits are from http://ph.openrice.com.

Macaroons With Love

 

I’m soooo happy with the results!!! Everyone loves it!

Here is the very first batch last September 18! 

And here are my special gifts for Abby, Warren, Gems and Ariel on their birthdays!

So now, I’m sharing the recipe with you and let me know when you try!

 

Coconut macaroons are an all-time Filipino favorite dessert. This soft, chewy treat is a delight to both young and old alike. Here’s an easy recipe for making coconut macaroons, Filipino-style. This yields approximately 50 pieces.

Ingredients:

5 1/3 cup of  sweetened shredded or desiccated coconut (or about 14 ounces)

1 cup melted butter (or about 2 sticks)

½ cup brown sugar

3 pcs eggs

1 can condensed milk (14 ounces)

Tools You’ll Need:

Baking mold

Rubber Spatula

Large mixing bowl

Mini baking paper cups

1 tbsp Measuring spoon

Electric mixer

Procedure:

Place the melted butter and brown sugar in a big bowl, and cream together using an electric mixer.

Add in the eggs one by one into the mixture, then beat. Make sure the eggs are fresh because it affects the overall quality of your finished product.

Add the condensed milk and beat until all the ingredients are well blended.

Slowly add the sweetened shredded or desiccated coconut into the mixture. Use the spatula to mix the coconut with the rest of the ingredients.

Place the paper cups into the baking mold.

Put one tablespoon of the coconut mixture into the individual cups.

Preheat the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake the coconut macaroons for about 20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.

Let it cool down before serving.

Enjoy your yummy treat!

Tips:

Some ovens vary in temperature. Make sure to keep a close eye on what you are baking so they don't burn. Coconut macaroons cook very fast.

Warning:

Always wear protective gloves when handling the baking mold in and out of the oven to prevent burning.

 

Read more: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/185947_how-to-make-coconut-macaroons-filipino-style#ixzz1ZVP3lQcg

 

April-May-June Birthdays

 

Remember my month-long birthday celebration? Well, this is still kind of part of it, and more! Sheh, Gabu, Ate Lanie and I joined forces to celebrate our birthdays, following the first celebration when our friend, Melay, visited Manila.

 

Melay’s Visit and the First Quarter Celebrantion

Melay migrated to England few years ago to be with her husband, Clive, who is very dear to Angels. The mega visit was joined by celebrating the birthdays of Ate Malou, Ate Rina and Melay. The preparation was totally craaaazy! Hahahaha! How could I forget that? But it turned out perfect anyway. With the kiddie games -- sack race, hampas-palayo and pinoy henyo -- we enjoyed it so much and the pasalubong from Melay of course!

How nice to see out matching shirts :-D Pakulo yan ni Ate Lanie. I got mine for free + dog tag!

 

Second Quarter Celebrantion

I have to mention that the northen-ers were the first ones to arrive at Ate Lanie place – not the usual scenario. We used to be late every get together, but not on that day. Hahaha! Bakit nga ba?

The cake was awesome! It was gift from Melay and Clive.

  

Busog na busog nanaman ako, at may take out pa. Next is Madie’s birthday celebration!

 

 

Getting A Year Older Is Awesome

 

 

The month of May is a magical month for me. My birthday month always makes me feel awesome, pretty, wealthy :-D, and perfect! It is certainly because of being around with the people who celebrate with me. This year, I turned 31! Oh my! ^_^v I still feel I am only 24!

12^th May

It was Thursday and my birthday planning kicks off when Khen emailed me and jokingly asked where we suppose celebrate it. I said I really have no plans, “hahaha, magpapaka buro sa bahay. :-))” I filed a birthday leave and I was actually preparing to sleep the whole day for being stressed out at work that week.  And if not she insisted I could have ended up a loser the next day! Hahaha! Then I realized how sad that would be. :-/

Khen: “Gusto mo po tom dinner? till 430 lang ako. Sabay na kayo ni Jd punta makati? Para kami ang ka date mo kaysa magkulong ka sa house. Hehe”

And the table turned around…

Before I went to the office that Thursday, I excitedly asked Jelly and Tatay to join me to jog around Island Cove the next morning after my work. Birthday ko kaya hindi sila nakatanggi Hahaha! :-D I asked jelly to wake me up kasi baka paghiga ko, tanghali na ako magising!

 

At the office, around 12 midnight, Jason handed me this plastic bag with present inside. I was on UK shift the day before my big day so my last working hour was already 13^th of May. Greetings from my colleagues alone made me feel happier! It’s indeed my special day!

And when I opened the gift, it was an organizer and made special because of the design – Kitty! Thanks Jason!

 

13^th May 

I arrived at home around 2AM. Time for me to catch some sleep because I was going to have a birthday jog with Tatay and Jelly! After 3 hours of sleep, I put my running gears on and drove 10 minutes to Island Cove.

 

 

It was summer so morning is up as early as 5:30AM.

 

It was fun and funny because Tatay was wearing maong pants :-D Unfortunately, we just had 2 laps around the resort’s running/biking area because the three of us were already hungry. Hahaha! Nagsama-sama ba naman kaming madadaling magutom!

 

After we rested at the Fishing Village for about 30 minutes (well, after hearing all of Tatay’s old stories about Bacoor) we headed straight to Sangley Point Restaurant for some breakfast. We feasted Filipino breakfast but I did not like the tapa because it was not tender enough. I love the hot chocolate though.

 

When I arrived home, a traditional birthday banner was posted on the wall courtesy of the kids! It says, “Happy Birthday, Tita Meeyeow”

 

At miryenda time, Ate Doll cooked my favorite arrozcaldo and tokwa!

Joseph picked me up at my house around 3PM heading to Makati and met Khen at Unilab office. It was Friday the 13^th and traffic did not discourage us for a dinner date at Korean Garden Restaurant along Jupiter St in Makati. Joy was supposed to join us but she got stuck at the office mayhem. The three of us feasted their specialty!!! Sobrang busog ako. And I really love their side dishes! And the rice! And the stew! Hahaha everything! By the way, it was a birthday treat for me from them. Aaaw sweet talaga nung dalawa…

Have you ever felt you really want to get drunk? Hahaha, I did! that night! Tamang tama, hindi ko dala si White, may maghahatid sa akin sa bahay. Hahaha ^_^v After the dinner, we went to KTV at the next resto – we had a blast! Blast kasi ang lakas ng tunong ng videoke! I belted my all time faves and both of them too! I ordered margarita (my first time by the way) and had 3 Tanduay Ice and a Vodka Cruzer. Toink! The rest is history.

Khen and Jo, thanks for the time!

 

14^th May

My birthday celebration did not stop right there. The next day, I asked the little kids (4 nieces) – Jelly, Jaimie, Nene and Bibi – to join me for a pajama party! Kids arrived with their PJ’s on. ^_^v and I did too. We grilled mashmallow, hotdogs, corns, and barbeques under the moonlight. It was fun, fun, fun! We had games and picture taking.

And I blew my birthday cake.

 

Putol celebrated with me! Aaaaww…

 

15^th May

The next day, perhaps the most memorable one, we went to Sta. Rosa, Laguna to celebrate Jaimie’s 9^th birthday and mine too! It was my first time to drive along SLEX! Masaya talaga! We got lost twice hahaha! But we made it to Paseo De Sta. Rosa just after lunch time.

 

Kanin Club was the place. I really wanted take them there since last year and this was the right time for us to appreciate this place. We really loved the meals we ordered. Everything had a twist!

 

Nuvali was our second stop and the most enjoyable of the day. We loved the boat ride very much that we paid two round trips :-)

 

Kois are amazing too! But do not visit around 3-4pm during summer time – kasi sobrang ineeeet!

 

Since my first time at SLEX, I failed to exit at Alabang to we turned around Paranaque instead. Whew, round trip talaga! Hahaha. We arrived Cavite at around 530PM so we had our dinner  stop at Balsahan.

 

19^th May

After a week, my colleague, Julius and I threw another double birthday party at the office with our Kforce family. ^_^v

 

As a said, getting older is awesome especially celebrating it with the people you LOVE. Thank you , Lord for another amazing yeeearrr!!!

 

 

 

 

Double Anniversaries

We celebrated my brothers’ and sisters’ back-to-back anniversary celebration last January 23 at Kartini Hotel. We were supposed to enjoy their dinner buffet but we arrived too early. I drove the whole family with my White for the first time. Pasado na daw ako hehehe ^_^v

 

doll+joel’s 14^th!

jhoy+piwi’s 7^th!

Kartinihotel.com

Located along Centennial Road in Gahac, Kawit, the place is very accessible. I used to pass by this hotel during my driving lessons in A1. ^_^ The food is good and ambiance is okay.  And I am still quite intrigued with the Casino at the 3^rd level  ;-D ang daming oldies na pumupunta.

And then I spent the rest of the evening playing God of War in PS2!

Greetings pala for my bayaw, Kuya Regie! Happy happy birthday!

 

Happy Birthday, Kuya!

The Bordei Boi

Shanghai Bistro was the place, we celebrated the birthday! We had a wonderful dinner even after a very very very very busy day. :) Trying Chinese this time!

 

The same day I was not able to text or call him for the first time at exactly 12 midnight – wala kasing load! Eeeew!!! Hahaha! Bawi na lang ako next year!

Happy Birthday, Bordei Boy!

Let's Toast The Diary's 3rd Anniversary!

Not so long ago, I started this “exciting” personal blog site (I have to say it and love my own! Hmp! Che! Ha-Ha) out of desperation to keep myself very busy. Three years after (that’s today! Yebaaaaa), I am still here, wasting your time again, but more desperate to write an entry because I am so busy with other things. Pero hindi ko to pwedeng palalampasin, hindi pwede!!! I never thought keeping this with my awkward working hours but I did it! Yey! This diary has been there throughout my three-year journey of self-determination and independence. It was awfully amazing how my life turned a full 360 degrees around – in fact, a different me. Every experience was unique, and each became a life-long lesson to learn and this diary is helping me to remember all of it.

 

I was a follower of a blog for quite some time before I started my own. I spent hours of my day reading her blogs and somehow, her random stories inspired me! (So wherever you are… you moved me!) Oh how can I forget my very first post (circa 2007)? It was a survey with cutie-questions about life. I answered them all my heart, probably crying my eyes out while doing it Ha ha ha, especially the banana split question. Weeee ^_^

 

Given a chance to live back the day I decided to start writing here, I will probably do it over again without having a second thought!

 

I am looking forward to continue blogging and to celebrate more anniversaries!

The name is still timely; I am still lazy, so lazy...

I am dedicating this celebration to my love ones and friends for allowing me to have such wonderful experiences to share.

Thanks to you for wasting your precious time to drop by and visit here.

Thanks to you for making me feel that you are enjoying yourself reading my kadramahans ^_^v Merci!

 

Thanks to you for celebrating yourself with me! Tagay tayo!

Happy 3rd anniversary to my online diary!!!

 

 

Ate’s Birthday

Celebrating birthdays are very important in our family. Gimmicks like waking up as early as 12:00 midnight to make the celebrant blow the candle cakes or something like that to surprise each of us are so much total joy.

 

 

This time, it is Ate Doll’s turn to be surprised and given a special treat! She just turned 42 yesterday.

 

I cooked my favorite Italian Spaghetti (ha ha ha, yes MY favorite! :-D) and guests loved it too. We had to  keep a bowl of the sauce for breakfast kasi ang bilis nyang naubos ^_^v I also love love love the kids mosaic for their mom. Pero mas maganda pa din yung banner ko last May :-P hehehe

"Ate, thanks for standing up as our Mom and for keeping the family together especially when rough times come. Take care of yourself always. I hope we made you happier yesterday! I love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ate!"

3rd & 4th of July

 

From a crazy seafood birthday party to body-aching badminton session to chicken-all-you-can dinner, this weekend really ought to come with overloading happy hormones!!! ;-D

 

The Seafood Party

Good for our barkada, nobody has allergies on sea foods. These are actually our favorite since our ITC days. This party is the celebration of our birthday. Mine was last 13th of May, Gabu and Ate Lanie were last 24th and 22nd of June, respectively. Our last get together prior to this was almost half year ago during our year-end party in 2009.

 

These cakes were gifts from Melay. I wish she was there.

 

I asked Sheh to host the games and she did not fail us! Sheh, two thumbs up from us! The games were awesome! Good job, Sheh! First was Pinoy Henyo. Galit nag alit si Ate Lanie kay Ate Rina kasi hindi nya mahulaan yung “Zambales” :-D

I had my turn and I played it very well! Naks! Hahaha

 

 Food were prepared by Ate Lanie, Ate Rina and Paul! Sa uulitin!

Ang laki na ng  mga inaanak ko... Pauline, Gabu and Adrielle

 

More than ten years of friendship... eto na kami ngayon! Hulaan nyo kung sino sino ang buntis... wahahaha

Tinay, Ate Rina, Ate Malou, Sheh, Ate Lanie and Antuah: Thank you for the friendship and all the support I needed. Thank you for always being ther for me through think and thin. I love you all!

Too bad, I was not able to attend Dave's party! T_T Late na kasi, At 6pm I was still in Cavite. I know naman wraptrac pips are soooooooo understanding, dba? Muah!

Kuya Joel's Birthday!

At lunch, we were able to celebrate Kuya Joel's 38th birthday after we went to church last Sunday. Ate Doll prepared her best Sinigang na Baka! Ang saraaap! And fresh tahong from the sea! Hehehehe. Kuya Joel, thanks for taking care of my sister and my nieces! God bless you!

3-Hour Badminton

Until now my back is still aching! I even have to move my legs very slow so it wont hurt anymore... Nasobrahan yata kahapon. I want to say thanks to Sheh for organizing and to Derek for coming even for a very short notice. Don’t worry, dadayo naman kami sa Raquetas next time!

Being sporty is one of my frustrations in life. I don’t look like one pero nangarap din ako minsan na maging isang magaling na swimmer! :D Wahahaha, anyway I am just happy that I was able to run almost 5 kilometers in one night and do badminton once in a while.

Next week, tara badminton tayo!

Chicken All-You-Can!

Natuloy din sa wakas! We thought this Max’s promo has ended last week but it turned out that it was extended for 2 more weeks! ;-D weeeee! All in all we had 6 quarters, mine is only two! We also ordered Desert Sampler and Unlimited Sago Gulaman, kaya siguro di kami nakarami ng chicken, tapos nag order pa ako ng rice! The fats we burned during our badminton have been offset right away with our dinner! ^_^v wala rin.

 

 

Every labas nung may dala ng Chicken, kumukuha kami... 
... Unlimited Chicken - Awesome!
Unlimited MAX'S Chicken - Ano baaaaaaa!

 

...Untill my next  kwento! Thanks for dropping by!

 

 

Party Planning

It has been a month since we started planning THE PARTY!!! Sa Saturday na! :-) I hope everyone invited will be able to come ;-D

 

 

Invites… check R

Food & Drinks… check R

Games… check R

Venue… check R

Prizes… check R

 

Camera na lang ang kulang! Sana hindi mag topak yung camera ko! Waaaa

*excited*