5 Years at Tuscany

We spent our fifth anniversary at Marcia's Tuscany, this quaint dreamy place tucked at the edge of Tagaytay within a little side street. I think it's one of Tagaytay's best-kept secrets and I hope it stays that way. Jake and I had an awesome and romantic time with the great food, secret garden-like ambiance, and warm Tuscan-countryside-like interiors. The place is too awesome for words so I'll share our photos:

After turning right at the Tagaytay arch, we found the Mediterranean-inspired gate with the heavy brass lion knocker. They don't advertise, so don't look for any signage. It adds to the homey feeling of the place, making you feel as if you were personally invited by the owner to dine there.

wearing Zara chiffon top and skirt, Dorothy Perkins gladiators, H&M bag


The walkway leading to the house has a lush garden filled with blooming flowers and secret nooks. I love how they managed to keep it looking overgrown and orderly at the same time.




Neil, the owner, showed us the two dining areas where we can sit. I chose the open area at the back because of the relaxed vibe with the garden in full view and the breeze coming in from the huge windows. Did I mention that they have vases of fresh flowers in every corner? I couldn't stop staring, everything was so pretty!


This is the dining area that greets you upon entering the place. The tiles, the chandelier, the rustic interiors are enough to make you feel like you're in the Tuscan countryside.




Yummy home-made bread with olive oil and vinaigrette while poring over the menu.


Neil also showed us their extensive selection of Bundaberg beverages. I was tempted to try the Ginger Beer!


We had the whole place to ourselves! I loved the breezy, romantic, peaceful ambiance.


When I hesitated to get a Bunaberg drink, Neil suggested I try their home-made lemon lime bitters. It was perfect! Fizzy and sour.


I chose the prawns for starters and Jake had their soup of the day.


Just perfect <3


The walkway leading to the entrance and other dining area.


We were surrounded by the garden and had an awesome view.


I loved the trinkets in every corner.


This was the back part of the house, the stairs lead to our dining area. Jake took yosi breaks in between courses while I explored the garden.


And I found a secret door under the stairs!


He ordered the chicken kebabs with couscous and I had the grilled aromatic pork with organic rice.



I'm already craving what we had for dessert. Home-made vanilla ice cream with grilled orange and grilled bananas with home-made chocolate ice cream and nutella sauce.



Looooved the beaded curtain leading out to the garden :)


Who would mind paying if the bill came in this pretty pouch?


A view of their backyard.


I want the exterior of my future house to look exactly like this. Too pretty.


And I want this :(


The couch beside our table was too comfy, you can fall alseep listening to the breeze.


With the British owner, Neil. Marcia, his wife, was too busy in the kitchen. He was nice and made us feel very welcome. Can't wait to eat there again!

One Day

I totally have a new peg for my love life:



I'd drag Jake around if I have to, but I must, I MUST have the same pictures and scenarios in my lifetime. I like to think we're Emma and Dexter, best friends-wise.

P.S. Who knew Jim Sturgess was such a hottie? 21, you did not do him justice.

Photos from OneDay website and An Education

Fools and dragons

Say hello to my recent obsession:


I have always been a frustrated equestrienne. Ever since I was a kid, I would dream of having my own pony and ride like the wind. Granted, all I ever got were trips to Tagaytay and Baguio perched daintily on a rented horse while my mom looks on with a worried face. I remember the tantrums I threw just so they would let me ride one, the day my dad did his best not to yell at me while I cried and cried because they would not let me climb the Taal volcano ridge on horseback. And then there's always the panicked feeling when my horse gets bored and tries to trot--I can barely hold on to it while it's walking slowly, let alone while it attempts to gallop. Maybe I should stick to the kalesa?

Anyway, I've been recently watching and re-watching Game of Thrones like there's no tomorrow. There's something about unintelligible accents, medieval knights, talk of dragons and barbarians, treachery, and silver-haired princesses that brings out the feelingera in me. I always tend to associate myself with my beloved TV characters, I went through the Rachel Greene, Karen Walker, Blair Waldorf, and Summer Roberts phases, why not add a Khaleesi to the list? And so, on our day trip to Tagaytay, I nagged the boyfriend to let me ride a horse because in my mind I was Daenerys Targaryen and I desperately needed to validate this misguided impression.

So there we were, me insisting on a white horse and Jake walking gingerly on the mud and horse shit with his "meant for dirty places" kicks, the silly girl living out her fantasy and the boy dutifully taking pictures. Life's perfect when your boyfriend indulges your childish whims, right?


wearing Zara chiffon top, Mango jeans, Dorothy Perkins gladiators
 
I forgot to bring a silver wig but I was a happy girl for a full fifteen minutes. And then the novelty wore off and I became well aware of the stinky smell, the impending rain, and my inability to ride a horse by myself. Jake could hear my shrieks from the other end. It was fun and embarrassing but at least I got to say "WHERE'S MY KHALASAR?!" at the end of the day. Good times.