Yexel's Toy Museum

The Simpson's Family

     We're back! We missed blogging! Been busy these past few weeks preparing for our next trip. :p We still have a backlog blog for our Hong Kong trip last August. Hopefully, we can do it in the coming days. :p

     And to kick off our return, we will be featuring Yexel's Toy Museum. We learned about this toy museum from Jamich's facebook account and since then, we wanted to go there. We thought we won't be able to go since there was a typhoon (Ofel) two days prior to our scheduled trip. But luckily, the rain stopped the day we went to the Museum.

     Since we will be going there via public transportation, we texted the Toy Museum and they replied promptly. Here's what we did. We met up at Starmall Alabang and from there rode the jeep to SM Southmall. We then took the tricycle to Pilar Village and stopped right in front of the museum.

Chipmunks!

     Yexel's Toy Museum opened last August 26. Visitors are welcome to come and see Mr. Yexel Sebastian's house/museum every weekend from 10am to 6pm. Yexel, a former member of Streetboys and a toy collector shares his amazing assortment of unique, cool and colorful toys to kids as well as to kids at heart like us. Hehe! :p

     We were greeted with the Simpson's Family once we entered the house-turned museum. The facade is still under construction -- can't wait to see how it's gonna look! We paid the 300 peso entrance fee and  asked the receptionist if we can leave our bags so that we can concentrate on taking pictures, to which she gladly agreed.

     Let's start the tour.. :)

Small to big!

     The first part of the museum is a display cabinet full of miniature figures of our well-loved characters from our childhood. Displays include Mario Bros., Doraemon, a lot of Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Beauty & the Beast, the Little Mermaid and a lot more! These brought so much fun memories from when we were younger! :)

Pan de Amerikana (Marikina)

Facade

     Ever since we've been to Pan de Amerikana's branch in White Plains, we have been wanting to go to this branch in Marikina since we love the ambiance, unique features and especially the food! Not only they were delicious, but they were also so affordable! It's hard to find such places these days right? :p

Wind mill

1950's pandesal!

     Pan de Amerikana started out as a bread house in the 1950's before venturing into the restaurant business. They now have 2 branches, with equally interesting themes: chess and upside down.

     The restaurant looks like an old house outside, complete with a chimney. But the inside is a nature lover's haven. Everything is environment friendly and all-natural (well almost). The place just gives off this cool and refreshing vibe! :)

THE AMBIANCE

 Entrance

     You'll immediately see what the restaurant has to offer once you see the place. Their nice staff will greet you and eagerly take your orders. On the counter are numerous photos of some famous persons as well as happy customers who enjoyed their time at Pan de Amerikana.

Bridge

Dining Area

     The dining area is very spacious and relaxing. Glass windows line the far wall with a number of plants and vines that make the space refreshing and cool. Simple brown topped tables with chess boards coupled with metal chairs complete the earthy dining space.

Tutto Domani

Lifestyle Bar

     After having our early breakfast at Toast Box, we decided to try another cafe that's fairly new. We heard that not only is the food great but the ambiance and service, too. What's not to like right? :)

All for Tomorrow

Cafe Window

     Tutto Domani, which literally means "All for Tomorrow" in Italian, is not your ordinary cafe but a lifestyle hub, owned by brothers Anthony and Jose Ma. Yupangco. It's located inside a furniture shop, Domani, at the New World Renaissance Hotel, just across Greenbelt 5. They're open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 8pm.

The Ambiance

Dining Area

     The small space is made interesting with the myriad of colorful toys, trinkets and a wonderful display of cakes and candies. The seating is a mix match of chairs, with glass topped tables of varying shapes and sizes. The smell is really good, too! It's of aromatic coffee and tasty delights! (more on the food later. :p

Lego Exhibit: It's More Fun in the Philippines

Pinoy Lego

     Lego again had another exhibit at The Block in SM North Edsa. Last time it was a Star Wars feature, now it's some of Philippines' famous landmarks. Good thing we had a day to check out the 2 week long exhibit! :)

The Block

Lego Land

     The exhibit featured a huge map of the Philippines, showcasing famous landmarks in the different provinces and cities. On the other area are the Lego toys for sale as a well a corner for kids where they can make their own Lego creation. 

     We'll guide you through the landmarks throughout the 3 main islands of the Philippines. 


Note: this is a picture heavy post. :)   

LUZON

     First up: Luzon the largest island in the country. Some of the landmarks include the Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte, old houses in Vigan, Banaue Rice Terraces, Mayon Volcano in Albay, Crocodile Farm, the Underground River and the limestone cliffs in Palawan, Fort Santiago and Luneta Park in Manila among others.

Bangui Windmills (Ilocos Norte)

Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte)

Vigan (Ilocos Sur)

Napa Restaurant & Bar

Napa Restaurant & Bar

     We have read a lot of raves about Napa's lava cake and that's one of the reasons why we wanted to dine here. Add to that the fact that their food is also much talked about.

Welcome :)

     Napa Bar and Restaurant is located at Scout Borromeo, South Triangle Quezon City. It was formerly at Il Terrazo and was called Bistro Napa. The new location used to be a house which they turned into this Napa Valley inspired resto. They offer Italian-American fare which most Pinoys love. They're is open everyday from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 1am.

The Ambiance

     The restaurant is very homey, with the dim, warm lights, yellow colored walls with hand-painted designs, colorful paintings and a spacious area. The room has a casual elegance, perfect for romantic dinners, simple family dinners, even for meetings. 

Dining area

Napa Valley-inspired

     The seating is a mix and match of brown and light green wooden chairs with red cushions, the tables simple -- not getting your attention from the beautifully adorned walls. There is also a big, plush sofa on one corner which makes for a very comfortable seating! Past the green wooden panels is an al fresco dining area with metal chairs coupled with glass-topped tables. They also have the brick oven there as well as the glass display of their desserts. 

The Mind Museum

Where Science Comes Alive! :D

     Science has been our favorite subject in school and what better way to  experience science than to explore The Mind Museum that we have been  wanting to visit since their opening day. We knew that the admission price is quite steep but this is for the benefit of public school students and teachers. Plus, you can't put a price on learning, right?! :p

Come closer

What to expect :)

     The Mind Museum, an interactive world-class science museum, opened last December 2011 at Bonifacio Global City. The 250 fun exhibits is housed in a 5000sq.meter area. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9am-6pm and on weekends from 9am-9pm. 


     Tickets cost 700php for adults, 450php for private school students, 150php for public school students and teachers. An all-day pass costs 750php. Some rules to follow: no eating and drinking, no bringing of pets, no running. You can take pictures but make sure not to take too much time on an exhibit. ;)

Aedi

     We then waited for our designated time for our museum tour. When it was our turn, the robot, Aedi (idea spelled backwards) greeted us and welcomed us into the museum.  Aedi told the visitors the do's and don'ts as well as some tips for an awesome museum experience! We were given three hours to explore the various exhibits.

    The Mind Museum is divided into 5 parts namely: Atom, Life, Universe, Earth, Technology. We'll take you through each one :)

ATOM: The Strange World of the Very Small

Story of the Atom

     This area contains contains the most number of interactive exhibits which feature elemental forces like gravity, electromagnetism and basis for our gadgets like cellphones, computers and medical technology.

Tea & I

Tealiciously different! :)

     It was a hot afternoon and we were raring for some refreshing time out of the sun. We spotted a small tea house and were soon heading up to see this new place.

Tea beckons us to enjoy quality time with

friends and loved ones, and especially to

rediscover the art of relaxed conversation.

- Dorothea Johnson

     Tea & I just recently opened in this not readily noticeable location. It's located at the third floor of Zen's Building along Ayala Highway. They open at 10am until 10 in the evening.

AMBIANCE

Warm & Cozy

     The place is simple, with a relaxing ambiance perfect for enjoying your cup of tea. On the left side of the room, as you enter is a table by the wall with high seats. In the middle is a round table coupled with soft cushioned seats while on the far end is a small seating area good for a group of 4. There aren't many decors yet as the store has just opened last March 25.

Good for 4 :)

Bag of Beans: Coffee Shop & Bakery

B.O.B. :)

     It was still drizzling when we finished our late lunch and after roaming around Sonya's Garden. Since we love trying out new restaurants, we headed back to Bag of Beans which we passed on the way to Sonya's Garden. We heard that they had great coffee, desserts as well as a nice ambiance.  Read on to see what the fuss is all about :)

Welcome!

     Bag of Beans is not just a coffee shop and bakery but a garden restaurant, too. They serve all-day breakfast, rice meals, pastas, a variety of baked goods and desserts. They also offer a wedding package for newlyweds who want to have their reception here. It's along Aguinaldo Highway and is easy to spot. 

     Once you enter the bakery, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked good greets you, as well as a glass display of some of their delicious desserts. You'd then be ushered in a small open space, much like a balcony, overseeing the garden below. You can either choose to stay inside the small cafe or outside the garden. They have ample seating areas and each uniquely designed.

GARDEN RESTAURANT

The Bakeshop

     The garden downstairs was spacious and so relaxing! There were odd flowering plants all around that bring color to the place. By the corner is a birdcage with a myna bird which sadly was quiet that time. Hehe! It probably was not in the mood because of the rain?! We wanted to stay out but the rain didn't let up.

Al fresco dining

Out on the patio

Sonya's Garden: Country Bed & Breakfast

One of a kind garden

     Health comes to mind whenever the freshest ingredients are used. And what better way to experience a healthy diet than at Sonya's Garden. We've been wanting to dine here and the plan pushed through when we recommended the place to our dear friend Pius.


     The clouds were gloomy and the cold breeze seems to invite rain. But as usual, we don't let the rain ruin our day. Our umbrellas to the rescue! :p

Serene Haven

Thought to ponder

     Sonya's Garden is a restaurant, cafe as well as a bed & breakfast. It used to be a private garden, then the owner decided to have it opened to the public after being convinced by her family and friends. And thanks to them, we were able to share in their lovely experience at this place.

The Moon Garden Cafe

Two Hearty Meals at Moon Garden

     We had two meals when we were in Moon Garden. Our first was dinner during our first day stay and the other was a hearty breakfast included in the package.

On the menu

     They had a simple menu, one for breakfast, one for dinner or lunch. Breakfast meals included Filipino Style Breakfast (Homemade Corned Beef, Crispy Espada, Crispy Adobo Flakes, Crispy Paksiw na Bilong-Bilong, Cripsy Longganisa, served with scrambled egg, pickled veggies, and garlic fried rice) while the other menu served Garden Style Breakfast (A choice of egg, bread basket with butter or cereals). They use the freshest ingredients which make for a very hearty meal! :)

The Dinner

Dinner by the hut

     We decided to have our dinner in this hut -- as was mentioned in our previous post, it was surrounded by a pond with numerous lilies and plants. Dinner was just so relaxing! :)

Waterlilies

     The sofas were comfortable and soft, coupled with equally comfortable and colorful pillows. The table was low though but we didn't mind. :p

Comfortable Sofa

Moon Garden

Moon Garden, Tagaytay

     We've read about this unique garden in blogs and wanted to experience this one of a kind place! We searched and asked around how to get there -- not an easy task. Haha! But it was worth it once we got there. Read on and find out why! :)

Happy Moon ^_^

     Moon Garden is a moon-themed garden restaurant, also a perfect wedding venue with a spacious reception area that can seat up to 200 people, and casitas available for accommodation.

Pathway

Lush greens

     We thought the place was really nice and peaceful. There were not too many guests so the garden was so quiet, serene. We loved the whole natural, fresh vibe! :)

THE PLACE

Rich gardens

     The place was abound with a variety of trees, bushes, vines, flowers, along with the hanging happy moons, colorful paintings and nice garden settings. It feels so relaxing and cool thanks to the lush greens and fresh air!  

Casa Rap

Nice seeing you again, Casa Rap! ^_^ 

     After wrong turns and 3 hours on the road, (went to San Benito Farm first which we thought was the same with Hacienda San Benito where Terrazas de Barako is, where we were supposed to have lunch-unfortunately, there was misunderstanding so we weren't able to eat there) we finally reached Casa Rap at Km 90, San Jose, Batangas.

Peaceful Haven

     Casa Rap was formally opened as a restaurant in 2003. It used to be a clearing house for environmentalist from 2001. It's owned by Sis. Emmy Alday who is an advocate for the environment. Proof of this can be seen in the restaurants earth-friendly design and decors. 

THE AMBIANCE

Secret garden

Intimate dining

     The whole place feels like a secret garden! The myriad of plants, flowers and trees give of a refreshing vibe. The one-of-a-kind decors around make the place interesting and special. The vines allow for natural light to pass through and makes the space feel more intimate. You really feel one with Mother Earth when you're in Casa Rap! :)

Earth friendly :)