Hidden Gems In Calabarzon: Food, Hotels, Historical Places and Everything In Between!
Living in the city can be both comfortable and stressful. And it’s comforting to know that there are nearby provinces that can give us ultimate relaxation. Some of the provinces that are just a few hours' drive from Manila are Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon or Calabarzon. I had a fantastic experience traveling throughout the Calabarzon region, so I'm sharing some of the dishes you should try, the finest places to stay, and some of the activities you can do while taking a tour of the region.
Perlas ng Silang
Perlas ng Silang is a flower park and restaurant that is visited not just for its picture-worthy surroundings but also because of the delectable Asian cuisines it offers. We tried their weekend breakfast buffet, which costs only PHP200 and it's really worth it!
There are 500 different types of plants and colorful flowers throughout the 3.5-hectare Perlas ng Silang. If you are a plant enthusiast or someone who wants to indulge in an Asian food trip, then Perlas Ng Silang is a must-visit.
Perlas Ng Silang
Purok 5, Brgy. Pulong Bunga, Silang, Cavite
Open daily from 8AM-8PM
perlasngsilangph@gmail.com
Ilog Maria Honey Bee Farm
Silang, Cavite is home to the Ilog Maria Bee Farm. In addition to oils, that enhance health and wellness, this bee farm offers bath, body, beauty, and skincare items. The major objective of all products is to help people live better lives, and all items are manufactured with natural ingredients.
Some of the things I tried from Ilog Maria Bee Farm are Honey & Propolis, Shampoo, Eucalyptus Bath Gel, Citronella Mosquito Repellent, Propolis Ointment, and Honey Beeswax Lip Balm.
Ilog Maria Honey Bee Farm
Km. 47 Aguinaldo highway, Lalaan I, Silang, Cavite
Open daily from 8AM-5PM
ilogmariahoneybeefarm@gmail.com
Pamahaw by Dahon@mesa
Diners may choose between an air-conditioned area and an outdoor, Bali-inspired dining experience in one of their nipa huts.
While we waited for the main menu, we started our meal by trying some of their freshly baked bread. We enjoyed tortang talong, ensalada, lumpiang shanghai, and sinigang which is just perfect for the gloomy weather during our visit.
Pamahaw by Dahon@mesa
62 Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Rd, Silang, 4118 Cavite
Mon 10AM-9PM
Tue-Fri 8AM-9PM
Sat-Sun 6AM-9PM
0917 717 8877
Twin Lakes Hotel
The Twin Lakes Hotel is a beautiful hideaway offering a one-of-a-kind fusion of luxury and the majesty of nature, nestled among the cool, misty hills of Tagaytay. This luxurious hotel is the ideal getaway for people searching for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. It is perfectly located on the picturesque slopes overlooking the scenic Taal Lake and Volcano. The Twin Lakes Hotel offers both confirm and elegance. Each room has a huge space and is furnished with modern facilities to ensure a relaxing and pampering experience.
Accommodation already includes a buffet breakfast for two. You can check https://twinlakeshotel.com.ph/rooms about their latest offer.
Twin Lakes Hotel
Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Laurel, Laurel, Philippines
reservations@twinlakeshotel.com.ph
0917 853 7468
Sonya’s Garden
One of Tagaytay's iconic spots, Sonya's Garden, offers an enchanted hideaway where the beauty of nature meets with rustic rural charm and serenity. The famous bed and breakfast is a favorite event place for weddings and proposals because of its romantic vibe. It is located on the ridge of Tagaytay and offers a relaxing ambiance with numerous plants and flowers surrounding the entire place. This place is perfect for those who are looking for a romantic getaway, a family retreat, and even for solo travelers on a soul-searching journey.
We had our lunch at Sonya's Garden where we enjoyed fresh and organic veggies, handmade bread, and a variety of mouthwatering Filipino delicacies in a buffet style.
Sonya's Garden
Barangay, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite
info@sonyasgarden.com
Queens Strawberry Farm
Are you a strawberry lover? No need to go to Baguio because there is a strawberry farm near Metro Manila. We made a quick stop at Queens Strawberry Farm located in Alfonso, Cavite to try their strawberry buko pie and strawberry cheesecake. They also served tice meals, soup, salad and milkshakes.
Queens Strawberry Farm
Hawilian 2 Barangay Upli, Alfonso, Cavite
qsf.bookings@gmail.com
0948 841 7161
Seda Nuvali
Seda Naval is the ideal destination if you're searching for a luxurious escape with first-rate amenities and is surrounded by nature. Located within the lush landscapes of Santa Rosa, Seda Nuvali offers modern-style accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Aside from staycations, Seda Nuvali has function rooms and offers flexible packages that can cater from 10 to 400 persons.
Every time I book a hotel, the breakfast buffet is always my favorite part. Great breakfast items are served at Seda Nuvali including bread, rice dishes, pancakes, waffles, cheese, cold meats, and many more items.
Seda Nuvali
Lakeside Evozone, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
nuv@sedahotels.com
(049) 255 8888
Lotuspod
The term “lotuspod” refers to the seed of the lotus flower, a fascinating aquatic plant that thrives in the serene waters of Laguna's pristine lakes and lagoons and which can be seen in the pond within the vicinity of Lotuspod. This hidden gem is located in a private location in Bay, Laguna. The Lotuspod in Laguna is evidence of both nature's alluring beauty and the value of protecting our natural heritage.
At Lotuspod, there are activities for people of all ages. Kids may go camping or explore the tree house. Different types of accommodations are available for families who want to spend quality time with one another. This is also a good place for those who are looking for a message while enjoying the greens in the surrounding. Lotuspod is also a great location to celebrate a special event that provides guests with a comfortable stay and offers a tranquil natural ambiance. Every spot is Instagram worthy so be ready to strike a pose!
Lotuspod
2340 Kalsadang Putol St. Purok 6, Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna
lotuspodbnb@gmail.com
0917 525 7619
Aling Taleng's Halo-Halo
The pride of Pagsanjan, Laguna, Aling Taleng’s Halo Halo has been in operation since 1933. It was started by Catalina Zaguirre with only PHP10 as her initial investment. Unlike the traditional halo halo, Aling Taleng’s halo halo only consists of six ingredients namely mongo, beans, macapuno, kundol, ube, and tubo.
Aside from the famous Halo halo, Aling Taleng's also serves all time favorite dishes like Chopsuey (PHP350), Sinampalukang Manok (PHP380), Kare Kare (PHP700) and other local dishes.
Aling Taleng’s Halo Halo
169 General Luna Street, Pagsanjan, Laguna
0926 309 6782
Open daily from 8AM-10PM
Museo Ac-ac
Paete is known as the carving capital of the Philippines. The Museo Ac-Ac features the masterpiece of one of Paete’s well-known wood carvers, Luisito B. Ac-ac. A beautiful collection of ornate wood carvings, religious artwork, and sculptures welcomes visitors as they move through the museum. Each piece is an expression of the artists' deep faith, extraordinary talent, and unshakable devotion. Every piece emanates an unmatched sense of workmanship, from imposing religious symbols to realistic animal sculptures.
Museo Ac-ac
Manila East Road, Brgy 4 Quinale,
Across Paete Landmark (Highway Side), Paete, Laguna
Mon-Sat 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM
Sun 9AM-11:30AM and 1:30PM-5:30PM
museo.acac@gmail.com
0920 605 3447
Barong and Embroidery Shop
Lumban is the embroidery capital of the Philippines and produces the best Barong and Filipiñana dresses. You can check out the Barong and Filipiña collection from Casedo's Embroidery Shop. And if you are looking for a native Barong and Filipiñana with a contemporary touch, you can visit Berches Barong Avenue.
Kaulayaw Coffee
Antipolo City is located on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range and has a breathtaking panorama view of Manila's skyline, rolling hills, and valleys. Aside from the amazing view it offers, Antipolo City is home to numerous local restaurants and cafes. Along Sumulong highway, you see Kaulayaw Coffee, one of the most frequented cafes in Antipolo. Kaulayaw Coffee started as an online business in 2019 and had its physical store during the pandemic in 2020.
Visitors are welcomed by the scent of freshly brewed coffee as soon as they enter Kaulayaw Coffee. Local farmers who have mastered their craft over many generations are the source of the coffee beans. Because of the café's dedication to encouraging sustainable agricultural methods, each cup of coffee not only pleases the palate but also helps sustain the livelihood of local communities. For every cup of coffee you ordered, PHP20 will go straight to the farmers. They also served breakfast, rice meals, pasta and dessert.
Aside from helping the farmers, Kaulayaw Coffee is also a blessing to its staff who are either members of 4P’s (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) or working students who are looking for ways to finance their education.
Kaulayaw Coffee
23 Sumulong Highway, Sta. Cruz, Antipolo
kaulayawcoffee@gmail.com
0917 690 2582
Pinto Art Museum
Aside from cafes and overlooking restaurants, Antipolo is also home to a well-known museum, the Pinto Art Museum. It is located inside Grand Heights Subdivision and is frequented by art enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of nature and culture. Dr. Joven Cuanang's establishment of the Pinto Art Museum in 2010 is proof of his love for art and desire to spread it around the world. The museum, which takes its name from the Tagalog word for "door," acts as a gateway for examining the infinite depths of artistic creation.
The Pinto Art Museum's distinctive architectural style is among its most remarkable features. The complex is a combination of buildings with Mediterranean architectural influences that are embellished with colorful gardens, adorable courtyards, and bubbling fountains. This intelligent layout enables guests to get fully immersed in the art while being one with nature.
The Pinto Art Museum shows how the Philippine art scene is thriving. It features artwork of both renowned and emerging Filipino artists, expressing the spirit of Filipino heritage, culture, and contemporary life. The spacious museum shows a wide variety of artwork that captures the multidimensional essence of the Filipino identity and provides a window into the country's history and culture.
Cafe Rizal, a restaurant serving Filipino cuisine with a modern touch, is located inside Pinto Art Museum. We sampled a variety of delicacies, including Basilica pizza, the Peppermill trademark salad, Madrid pasta, Rizal US Pork Adobo, Thailand prawns with salted egg, Palawan prawns with sweet chile, and Pochero.
Pintô Art Museum
1 Sierra Madre St, Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo City
Open daily from 10 AM-6 PM
pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com
Antipolo not only delights the eyes but also satisfies the palate. The city's food scene offers a delicious variety of regional specialties. Before you leave Antipolo, make sure to buy it's famous SuMaKa or suman, mangga and kasoy.
0 comments