MNL Ice Cream Cafe

MNL Ice Cream Cafe

     After two failed attempts, we were finally able to eat at MNL Ice Cream Cafe last Tuesday. This cafe opened just 6 months ago, last October 8. They're open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 10am - 8pm.

AMBIANCE

Sumptuous Meals

     The space used to be a shop where car parts are sold. Now it's an ice cream cafe serving delicious snacks and desserts! The mustard yellow walls are adorned with photos of their mouthwatering dishes! Not only do they offer a feast for the palate, but for the eyes as well.

Food Pics

Red & Orange

     The small area is made bright and cheery with the red and orange chairs and white tables. On the left corner of the space is a red desk with a laptop, some magazines and radio. On the right is one long, red, comfortable sofa.

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 :)

The Candlelight Cafe

Coffee - Food - Candles - Art

     This small cafe caught our eye when we were on our way to the city. The place looked inviting with the warm exterior and the eye-catching mural on the wall. We thought there were no other new restaurants/cafes in Lipa so we were really happy to have come across Candlelight Cafe.

Candlelight Cafe

     Candlelight Cafe is owned by Morten and Marichu Carstensen, coffee and candle lovers. They first thought of opening a cafe on this site since there are no coffee shops yet on this side of town. And because they also manufacture candles, they decided to combine coffee and candles in one shop! They are open everyday from 7am to 9pm. 

THE AMBIANCE

     The feel of the place is warm and cozy, perfect for enjoying a nice cup of coffee. They have simple, wooden chairs and tables, as well as some warm colored seats. Near the entrance is a coffee table and a comfortable sofa with a magazine rack on either side. 


     On the shelves are the candles/works of art! The place also smells of coffee and scented candles -- kind of relaxing and soothing! On the far side of the shop is a mural that seemed like a garden walkway, also pleasing to the eyes.

Warm and cozy

Comfortable seating

     Some of the noticeable pretty artworks / candles are the big cakes, pastries, christmas trees, animals like chickens, rabbits and elephants, and the big white chair fit for a queen! Vibrant paintings are also displayed around the cafe. :)

Bel Piatto

Bel Piatto

     We've tried most, if not all, of the good restaurants in Lipa. It was now time to move on to another city to try and find other great places to eat. Our first stop: Bel Piatto Cafe & Bistro near SM City Batangas.

Facade

     Bel Piatto Cafe & Bistro is a simple restaurant that offers meals from breakfast to dinner. It is an ideal place to enjoy a sumptuous meal and to relax over a cup of coffee. THe place is very accessible and has an inviting facade. You'd think that they serve expensive food but we thought that we got what we paid for and more! :)

AMBIANCE

Lounging area

     The ambiance is warm and cozy, thanks to the earthy, neutral colors and the comfy seating. They have simple, wooden chairs and tables as well as a nook with soft, comfortable sofa chairs on the far end of the resto, perfect place for enjoying coffee. The place is clean and well-ventilated.

Café Milflores

Cafe Milflores

     In search of new and budding restaurants/cafes around Batangas, we came across Café Milflores, a small but unique pastry shop that serves delectable desserts as well as some appetizers such as sandwiches and pasta. 

Facade

     The café is at the corner of Dandan and Panganiban Streets, across the City Hall and near the park. You'd notice the café because of the bright yellow door, white picket fence and pink and white walls. By the door is a standee of Princess Kate and Prince Harry, not William. Haha! :D

Comfy Corner

Colorful decors

Cute tables

     The place is just small with only a number of chairs and tables but the atmosphere is one that is fun and inviting! The tables were similar to those at Café Noriter, with pictures, postcards, quotes under the glass tops. Each table is unique and designed differently, using a variety of table cloth designs. There were lamps on the ceiling -- placed specifically for a birthday celebration few days before. Those definitely made the room more lively and vibrant! :)

Casa de Segunda

Casa de Segunda

     Inspired by Sir Christian l Lakad Pilipinas' blog posts of Historical Houses from his Taal series, we also went on a trip to this house called Casa de Segunda (named after Segunda Solis Katigbak) in Lipa, Batangas. Like Pinto Art Museum, we had to ring a bell to let the homeowners know we're outside. We paid a minimum amount of 20php to tour the place. :p

Strong, sturdy

National Historical Institute Marker

     Casa de Segunda Katigbak was the ancestral house of the reputed first love of our National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Katigbaks was a prominent family in Batangas, the house is located at 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City, Batangas. At present, the house was transformed by Didi Dimayuga, a great granddaughter of Katigbak into a museum. The casa was declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets, and persons of learning and distinction. - from WikiPilipinas

Zaguan = silong

Luz - Katigbak Family

     On the first floor, framed photos of the Luz - Katigbak family are displayed as well as a bust of Manuel Luz, photo albums, native fans and a compilation of stories of the family. It felt cold inside the house even if it was really hot and sunny outside.

     This two-storey ancestral house is a typical "bahay na bato", which reminds of the country's past history. On the left side of the house is a dining area with a long wooden table. The door at the end leads to the dirty kitchen.

The Shop Around The Corner

The Shop Around the Corner

     Before going back to Manila, we decided to have snacks at this intriguing shop around the corner even if we just had late lunch. Haha! We've come across this place many times and wondered about it, so now, we got the chance to eat here! Finally! :p

Up the stairs

Welcome! ^_^

     The Shop Around Around the Corner (TSAC) is a simple cafe in Lipa City, literally on the corner of CM Recto and Kap S. Luz streets. The entrance is on a busy street and up the second floor of the building.

Cozy place

     TSAC is not your ordinary cafe. It offers a cozy place to hang out and relax. They have a spacious area with a mix and match of furniture which makes for an interesting lay out. There's also a nook where they sell jewelry and other goodies. Artworks are also displayed on the walls. Simple home decors adorn the cafe.

Café de Lipa: A Filipino Coffee Company

Cafe de Lipa!

     Lipa City is known for Kapeng Barako, a very strong flavored, aromatic coffee. And here at Café de Lipa, not only do they offer this unique coffee, but a variety of other great tasting beverages and pastries too! Cafe de Lipa is also a Philippine-based coffee company -- Pinoy pride!

     We chose to try their drinks, a perfect ending to a cool afternoon. It is only a short walk from Lipa City Bus Stop. The place is also quite secluded, away from busy roads - a nice and quiet getaway!:)

Out front

     Café de Lipa offers a simple place to relax. Inside, there's a long table, like a bar where you can sit in front of the window or you may choose to sit on the warm, inviting wooden chairs and tables. Outside are more seats, as well as cushioned ones by the smoking area.

Counter

     You can already smell the aromatic smell of coffee by the entrance! The place is clean, and the baristas and servers all have smiling faces. The ambiance is warm and inviting. =)

Cintai: Corito's Garden

Welcome to Corito's Garden

     We went here for our 50th Monthsary Celebration -- and we're glad to have seen this really beautiful place tucked away in the town of Balete in Batangas.

     Since we weren't sure about the weather (it was raining non-stop for the past 2 days because of Typhoon Falcon), we just called up on the day itself, but Ms. Patty gladly welcomed us. We were the only ones there, aside from their personal visitors. We had the whole place to ourselves as usual! =p

     We availed of the day tour package. It was priced at 1500php but then Ms. Patty told us that they have a promo until the end of June for 1000php. Another great savings for us! 

     It was already noon when we arrived but before having lunch, Sir Christian and Ms. Patty proudly showed us their paradise. He took us to see the villas as well as the structures still to be put up.

Cintai = LOVE <3

      Cintai (pronounced "Chin-tai") is Indonesian for the word LOVE.

     The Garden started out as an ordinary private family rest house that the family visited every weekend. In 2005 however, their mother Corito was diagnosed with a terminal disease. To help her recuperate from treatment, the family often brought her to the garden because the place made her relax and temporarily forget her sickness. Two years later, Corito finally succumbed to her illness.Her husband together with his 4 children then decided to focus all their efforts into making the garden a paradise since she loved the place so much. They wanted the beautiful memories they shared there to live on thus the creation of Cintai… love for their mother and love for his wife. - http://coritosgarden.com/aboutus.php

Casa Marikit Restaurante

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

Benvenuti!

     We always pass by this Italian Restaurante on the way to Mataasnakahoy, and now, we've had the pleasure of having the Casa Marikit dining experience. The restaurante is open everyday except Tuesdays, from 11am-3pm and from 6 to 10 pm.

 Archway

 Fountain

     Casa Marikit is a quaint Italian resto located in front of 300yards-Driving Range, Fernando Air Base. We were greeted by a simple designed fountain and very nice interiors. The design stays true to the feel of Italy, using marbles and tiles, reminiscent of Tuscan homes.