Blessed is the season which engages the whole world
in a conspiracy of love.

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

With its close proximity to Manila, Tagaytay is a sanctuary that comes to mind when celebrating a romantic evening.

The cold weather, the warmth of Taal view, the best places to eat and a day without stress is something we prefer to  sooth our mind and soul.

To celebrate our 6th month wedding bliss, we headed to Tagaytay to getaway from the urban jungle that is Manila. A week prior, we called Sonya’s Garden to reserve and use the free voucher we got from our wedding.

The car is of no use, so we opted to travel by public transport. From Pasay, Rotonda, we took the Golden Dragon Bus bound to Nasugbu. The air-conditioned bus is quite impressive, still new, I can tell from the smell and the plastic covered seats. It made the almost two-hours bus trip comfortable enough to steal a few z’s.

Our itinerary for the day includes a breakfast at Bag of Beans. A great jump start to our lazy holiday. We were dropped off in front of the restaurant / bakery.

The breakfast as usual was mouthwatering and the ambiance is perfect for a couple’s getaway. We were entertained by the resident talking mynah bird, asking if we’ve already eaten, “Kumain ka na?”, in three different human tones. It was hilarious.

We continued our journey towards Sonya’s Garden Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast. We waited for a jeepney bound to Alfonso and went down to Bgy. Buck Estate. Beyond the highway arc, tricycles are waiting for passengers to transport inside the small town.

We settled with the first one to take us to this hidden paradise. Sunflowers bound the area as we came nearer. The scent of flowers and freshly baked bread greeted us.

Sonya’s Garden is just what I remembered, charming and beautiful. The rustic Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast cottages are secretly tucked in the gentle rolling hills of Tagaytay. A secret no more, and a haven for many.

Sonya’s Garden is an inspiration of gorgeous view, beautiful flowers, and serene environment. The cottages are relaxing without the distraction of a city life, traces of television or an ipod dock. Perfect for a cozy evening and a night of cuddling.

We were ushered to our room. The beds are inviting, soft and grand. Screened windows paneled through every wall, making the room breezy. The furniture are vintage and has a feel of country elegance to it. The room is spacious for only the two of us. It can fit a family of four comfortably. The restroom is rustic and zen like, using pebbles as alternative to tiles. It makes me a little uncomfortable though with so much screened window and only thin curtains that left a little privacy to the room.

This wellness sanctuary is perfect to master “the art of doing nothing”. We spent our afternoon for a bit of pampering and treatment at the Sonya’s Spa Garden and availed their spa & massage service. It’s way beyond relaxation.

It rained in the afternoon, the sweet smell blanket the property. By the time we’re finished, the rain stopped and left the pathway damp.  We checked out the souvenir shop and bought some Ilog ni Maria products. It’s organic and smelled really good. They supply it as compliments in every room.

We continued our siesta until one of the staff called us for dinner.

There were another couple on the restaurant, our table was set on the far end.  Nearby is a forest so I was thankful when the staff gave us a citronella mosquito repellent. The dark night were graced by occasional fireflies, we were told it is mating season, but the rain kept them from giving a show.

We were serenaded with kundiman songs as we indulged in  a divine dinner. A light drizzle made the evening colder.

There’s nothing much to do so we call it a night early. The sound of beetles and birds was such a nice lullaby.

The following day, we had our breakfast, and was surprised by the number of guests present at the restaurant. The english-style ambiance, mismatched old, wooden chairs and elegant dining were so welcoming.

After yet another heavenly breakfast, we wander around the vicinity once more for photo ops. We also visited Panaderia to bring home some breads. We caught Filipina Actress, Judy Ann Santos buying some breads too. How often do you get to see celebrities?

As much as we wanted to dwell in this place forever, we needed to get back to the city…

but we’ll keep coming back to Sonya’s Garden.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person

- Mignon Mclaughlin

Back in November 2008, my first morning in the arms of Manila after a two-years stint in Dubai and a short rejuvenating trip in Singapore, my then fiance fetch me early to give me a tour at our wedding venue. I admit I wasn’t the typical bride who picked our wedding location after I’ve been there, and in truth, I haven’t even step foot on our church and reception site until a month before the big day.  I just knew how everyone is raving about it for a destination wedding and the photos seemed inviting… the rest was history.

Just before 8 AM, we hit the road going to the Philippine’s Second Summer Capital, Tagaytay. It was a weekday and the sun is gorgeously shining upon us. Such a good day to explore a cold haven, just few hours away from Manila. The traffic flows smoothly and in less than two hours we reached Rotonda.

We made a stop at Bag of Beans where we ordered Filipino breakfast, his was LongSiLog or Longganisa – Sinangag – Itlog and mine was TapSiLog or Tapa-Sinangag-Itlog. We had a sumptuous meal with hot pandesal and sweet smelling cup of coffee. A perfect starter to one exciting day!

After the authentic Filipino feast, we headed to Caleruega. It is still a few minutes drive from Bag of Beans as we passed through a long, rough road next to Evercrest Entrance. I knew then that some of our guests would complain the long ride.

Reaching Caleruega, we were greeted with a stunning view. It is everything I expected it to be. Majestic, breathtaking and close to nature. The Transfiguration Chapel is towering at the heart of Caleruega. Soon it will stand witness to our union and I will be walking down the same aisle.

We dropped by the office first to settle our full payment, and after which made an ocular visit cum photo ops in every corner of the chapel and Caleruega ground.

We also swing by the Koi Pond and played around at the wooden & hanging bridge.

After a handful of snapshots, which I am intending to use for our AVP, we decided to go to our next stop.

Prior on leaving Manila, we got in touch with Ms. Mavic to allow us to do an occular visit at Blue House and Pink House. We checked to see the amenities and accessibility from the main road. We lean towards renting either of the two houses for our Wedding Preps Accommodation.

We fell in love with the Blue House instantly and decided to get it for his accommodation.

We also drop by Andanita Taj of Tagaytay to inquire about their available rooms, possibly for my Preps Accommodation. Unfortunately they are already fully booked and the last room left cannot accommodate a big group.

I really liked the ambience of Andanita Taj, bold colors, indian inspired interior and a 180 degrees overlooking view of Taal lake. So while deciding on what to do with the small room and searching for other hotels in Tagaytay, we just went straight to check in at Hotel Kimberly where we will spend the night. Our accommodation was a surprise gift courtesy of our Godmother. Can’t thank her enough for our cozy room.

Too bad, we don’t have enough time to have a leisure lounge at the lagoon and swimming pool. My fiance had to doze off from a day of driving and need to recharge for our food tasting later on.

Caught some ZZZZzzzzzzzs.

By 5 PM, we headed to Sonya’s Garden for our food tasting. We were served with the house specialty, dinner set of Green Salad, Bread, Pasta and Dessert and a bottomless fresh dalandan juice. I am not a vegetable lover, but I enjoyed the dippings and toppings and some salad ingredients.

We just planned on ordering leachon perhaps to balance the meal. And I’m sure most of our guests will look for rice and we ain’t gonna serve them that, so I wonder how will they take the new experience.

After a hearty meal, the staff gave us a tour at Sunflower Greenhouse, the newest addition to Sonya’s Garden. It will be our Reception Venue and I can’t wait to see the restaurant setting and table arrangement. The beauty of Sonya’s Garden is that it is beautiful as it is and only requires minimal flower arrangements.

Making faces while tasting the salad. You know I don’t like greens on my plate.

After a chat with the assigned staff, and photo ops, we went back to our hotel to call it a night.

The following day, we indulged in a free continental breakfast. We have to leave early for our next appointment in Manila.

♥valerie {your haven hunter | chill’n at sonya’s garden}