Crosswinds offers a serene environment for rest and reflection this lenten season

Tagaytay offers a unique experience that is perfect for bonding with family and friends. With its beautiful landscapes, cool climate, and numerous attractions, Tagaytay truly is a home away from home.

 

For its relaxing weather, lush greens, pine trees, beautiful landscapes, and pineapple fields, Tagaytay is more than a place for vacation. Tagaytay is your home away from home, a place for bonding with family and friends.

 

Due to its closeness to nature which also rejuvenates the soul, Tagaytay has also been a place for retreats and recollections among young students, working professionals, and religious groups.

 

The yearlong cold breeze that revitalizes energy propels us to take not just one but another look at Crosswinds Resorts Suites and its ever-evolving massive commercial development that continues to awe local and foreign tourists.

Locals will surely troop to Tagaytay in the run-up to the five-day Lenten holiday—either to have that much-needed vacation, complete the traditional Visita Iglesia, attend the Holy Week retreat, or probably, observe the traditional customs.

 

Crosswinds, a Villar-owned property development, has prepared for the influx of families and groups who will book for the long Lenten holidays.    

 

When all you do is hole up in your room or trek around Crosswinds, as you immerse yourself in the scent of 35,000 trees and the lovely surroundings in this exclusive enclave, make sure to also satisfy your stomach – even during the Holy Week.

 

Apart from meatless food options that can be ordered from its sleek cafes and restaurants, Crosswinds also offers the young and the young-at-heart egg-citing surprises on Easter Sunday (April 9).

 

Andersen’s Bakery 

 

Wake up to the aroma of freshly-baked bread, and enjoy your favorite Walnut Cranberry or Double Chocolate Croissant with that coffee brew—just a stone’s throw away from your hotel room.

 

Named after famous literary fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, Andersen’s Bakery has a story to tell for its bread.   You’ll love a comfy ambiance while you spend some time in this bread cafe—probably, reading a book, with fewer gadgets and all.

 

Many remain fascinated as they find quaint stores inside the Crosswinds’ exclusive enclaves.

 

Ruined Project

 

Surrounded by towering pine trees,  Ruined Project is another picturesque coffee brand under the Villar Group.  It’s the 50^th branch of Coffee Project—the only difference is that it has fresh plants amid a rustic interior, situated in the Swiss-inspired Crosswinds.

 

Apart from its regular menu, it offers shrimp and crabstick salad this Lenten season for those who observe a no-meat policy or for those who prefer healthier food options.

 

Ruined Project got its name because the construction was halted when Taal Volcano erupted in 2020, further prolonged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Built at a time of disaster and the pandemic,  the interiors were done to also provide us with a wonderful view of nature inside Crosswinds.    Feel free to roam around, take pictures and enjoy the good food and sip the expresso-based concoctions at Ruined Project—to soothe not just your senses but your weary soul.

Windmill Lausanne

 

Inspired by Swiss architecture,  this cafe rose in the midst of a busy pandemic that affected the entire world.  It bears similarity to the Windmill in Solvang, California, which is, in turn, inspired by Switzerland.  Thus, one is built at Crosswinds—but situated in the resort’s rolling terrain and lush greens.

 

Constructed amid a backdrop of blue skies and a beautiful sunset, Windmill Laussane provides another breathtaking experience to its customers.  

 

The windmill and its balcony evoke scenes from a Shakespeare novel—making it very good for taking snaps of memories.

 

For the observance of the Holy Week, Windmill Lausanne offers seared salmon with pesto. 

 

There is also absolutely mouthwatering food such as chicken cordon blu, French toast with bacon, mushroom soup, spaghetti meatballs, and drinks such as Blue Citrus Creamy Frappe and Brown Sugar Choco Frappe.   Take a bite also of Blueberry Danish and Raspberry Danish.

Napa 

Start your day with a hearty meal by ordering Napa’s Sausage Duo for the ultimate breakfast.  But for those who opt for healthier meals, Napa has Founder Provencale added to its menu.

 

Another must-visit cafe in Tagaytay, Napa’s cabin-themed interiors, is inspired by Napa Valley in California.   Its rustic interiors and relaxing ambiance add to the feeling of happiness once you dine at Napa—also situated within Crosswinds.

 

The mountain air in this part of the city makes the visit more worthwhile both for dine-in and alfresco dining.   Kids can also enjoy running around the open area with teepee huts and wooden tables.  

 

Go for a hearty breakfast at Napa, which also concocts hot and cold drinks according to your tastes.  Napa’s specials include Black Smoked Pasta, Chicken Alfredo, Margherita pizza, and beef onion pizza.

 

Cafe Yama

 

Experience a guilt-free food trip this Lenten season by ordering meatless choices from its menu of Cafe Yama, which is seated at an uphill portion of Crosswinds overlooking a vast land of green fields and trees.

 

For this Lenten season, indulge yourself in the authentic flavor of Chicken Fried Rice and Shrimp Teppanyaki, along with tempura, sashimi, sushi, stir-fried food, rice bowls, and noodles.   Quench your thirst with Matcha Cheese Latte, Shinzu Grape Juice, other fruit juices, and coffee brews from this place.

 

The traditional Japanese ornaments such as lanterns, parasols, and murals complement the menu of Cafe Yama, which name means “mountain.”   

For more information on Crosswinds and other Brittany properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

 

Fora Mall Tagaytay, a fresh and cool shopping experience for weekenders

When the nights become longer and the temperature starts to drop that’s when you feel that Christmas is truly just around the corner. Which means that its time to take those jackets and sweaters and put on a more layered look for your OOTD. But because its still pretty hot in Manila even though we are only a couple of weeks away from Christmas I never bothered to bring a shawl to layer into my denim jacket even though I was headed to Tagaytay.

So I was really in for quite a pleasant surprise when we got to Tagaytay and I could see a thin fog around the city. It’s the kind of weather that make you want to convince your special someone to go on a road trip for a romantic evening and escape the crowded urban city.

Or even if you are single and just want to have some quiet time, now may be the best time to take your backpack on a quick weekend getaway.  Just don’t forget to bring something that will keep you a bit warm and fashionable so that you’d look amazing in photos.

The good thing is that now you can do all that and even squeeze in a bit of shopping at the new Filinvest Fora Mall located at the landmark rotunda along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City.

Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) officially opened Fora Mall last week and seeks to provide a FRESH and vibrant shopping experience for weekenders and urbanites who flock to the 5.2-hectare, master-planned townscape at the iconic Tagaytay Rotunda.

Fora is a game-changer, a destination and a testament to Filinvest’s track record in creating retail destinations. It was designed to be one of the main attractions in Tagaytay as a prime shopping and entertainment spot.

Fora Mall is part of the Fora Tagaytay mixed-use development by Filinvest, which will be composed of three main districts. Aside from the newly opened commercial block, there will be two eight-story condominiums. and two 10-storey condotels with a shared infinity pool, trade hall, and meeting rooms. to be operated by Filinvest Hotels lnc. through the Quest Hotel brand. The development will also feature a forest-themed garden around the amphitheater, making it an ideal location for special events like weddings and parties.

FDC president and chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap graces the opening of Fora Mall. alongside Tagaytay City local government officials, other FDC officers, and the welcoming people of Tagaytay.

                           Tagaytay Mayor Hon.Agnes Tolentino

As part of its opening festivities, Fora Mall features the exhibit of designer John Ablaza's Le Petit Couture Collection. The collection is composed of 13 special gowns measuring 18 inches the miniature version of the gown collections. The designer hopes to tour these gown collection to the world to showcase Philippine fashion.

FORA also partners with  S.I.L.Y.A. (Sa Iyo Lolo at Lola Yantok aming Alay) to provide the elderly with their own seats in the mall. The beautifully painted rocking chairs by multi awarded artist Pancho Piano is now on display at Fora Mall.

"A Lifemall is not just another fancy name for a chain of shopping center establishments from Filimest. A Lifemall is more than just a retail center. it is designed to be the center of life and activity wherever it is located. A Lifemall brings life to the city and it enhances the recreational lifestyles of the people who live and work nearby. A Lifemall will be seen as a place where people‘s needs and passions hnd an ideal balance,” defines says Joy Polloso, Filinvest senior vice president for commercial centers and retail management.

CHANGING TAGAYTAY

Fora Mall aims to change the landscape of retail in Tagaytay City with world-class shops and amenities fit for the city's growing number of discerning clientele.

One of Fora Mall’s anchor stores is Super Metro Hypernarket of the Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI),  the country's first ever 24-hour hypernarket that will provide shoppers in Tagaytay City a one-stop shopping experience as only a combined supermarket and department store can deliver. Super Metro Hypernarket also houses complementary outlets Metro Pharmacy. Suisse Cottage bakeshop. a bills payment center. and foreign exchange center.

It also has four digital cinemas. something which the residents of City of Tagaytay has been looking forward to. The state-oi-the-art cinemas occupy an area of over 2,000 sq. meters, with over 200 reclinable seats per cinema and an impressive Dolby Digital surround sound system. These ultramodern cinemas are guaranteed to provide an immersive entertainment experience for every viewer.

"With our cinemas, people now have an easier, more convenient option for entertainment - and it is digital " says Polloso.

Among 300 retail outlets to open this month are KTZ Hot Spot, Lady Christine's, Classic Savory and Uncle Cheffy's for dining. Levi's, Wrangler Broadway Gems, and La Sedia for retail,  Nail's Glow and Nuat Thai for wellness.

Retail therapy is primed to take on a new dimension with approximately 31,000 square meters of retail space, over 250 dining and retail establishments, and an extensive supermarket. Mall-goers can also catch the latest flicks at any of its four digital cinemas.

Fora’s chic restaurants shall offer a range of gastronomic delights, from fast food and casual dining options, to well-loved Tagaytay cuisine. All these guarantee a variety of activities and experiences to engage people of all ages, whether locals or out-of-towners.

Offering everything from basic essentials to pasalubong selections, The Fora Mall is a convenient, one-stop destination not only for weekends, but also for quick food trips and other weekday jaunts.

How to get to Fora Mall Tagaytay: Via Aguinaldo Highway (with less traffic in my experience)

1. Take Roxas Boulevard all the way to Baclaran
2. Get on the Coastal Road
3. Get on Aguinaldo Highway heading straight through Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmarinas
3. At the end of the Aguinaldo Highway will be the Tagaytay Rotunda


How to Get to Tagaytay via Bus

There is a terminal near the LRT Gil Puyat Station (also known as Buendia). Bus Fare is around php80.  Fora Mall is along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, just tell the driver to get you off Fora Mall.

Fora Mall is a Filinvest Lifemall, which also includes Festival Mall in Alabang. To discover more about Fora, call (02) 850-0888, (0917) 877-0888 or log on to www.filinvest.com.ph.

Digital Amazing Race ala Urbanize at Ayala Malls Serin Tagaytay

The last time I joined an amazing race kind of contest was at an event I attended 2 years ago. It was physically and mentally challenging as you have to analyze the task given in every pitstop.  You have to study directions as well. With the right partner,  focus, and some luck you might win the game, but if not just enjoy the race and tasks at every pitstop.

Fast forward to today, Urbanize holds a Digital Amazing Race contest for the select group of bloggers last Nov 25 at its newly-opened branch Ayala Malls Serin,  Tagaytay. It is one of the latest malls to open in the south, which carries a lovely selection of shops including my favorite tea shop Serenitea and dining outlets for the enjoyment of both tourists and locals.

The weather was cold as Christmas is just around the corner. The venue was perfect for the contest. We had our heavy lunch to prepare us for the "digital race". The Urbanize Marketing Manager raffled off numbers to pair with our respective teammate , I got to partner with the awesome blogger Martin Andrade. 

The digital amazing race contest goal is to help us familiarize with the Urbanize different brands that the store carry.  Just like in Amazing Race, teams of two people raced around the Ayala Serin mall in competition with other teams.

The difference is that we have to find the clue in every pit stop, take a selfie with the Urbanize products provided such as Pacsafe, LOQI, Elecom, PKG and Cabin Zero. We have to upload those in our respective instagram accounts.  The team who finished the tasks and uploaded all photos win the game.

Me and my partner Martin did not complete the tasks as we were able to upload 4 pictures in all, we forgot to take our picture in the garden backdrop of the Ayala Serin.  But we had fun in every pit stops. We raced and did our best even if we had our "hulas" moment.

Urbanize held a store visit, orientation of what Urbanize is all about and a tour at its Ayala Malls Serin branch so guests will be able to see and familiarize themselves with the different brands that the store carries.

A popular one-stop shop for the best international brands for tech, lifestyle, and travel accessories, Urbanize caters to the highly-mobile lifestyle of today’s millenials by providing them with their supplies for urban adventure.

To help better familiarize today’s local influencers to the different brands that they carry, Urbanize held a store visit and orientation of what Urbanize is all about and a tour at its Ayala Malls Serin branch.

Already with branches in Metro Manila’s top shopping malls, Urbanize continues to make itself more accessible by venturing outside the metro to the delight of shoppers.

Catering to urbanites of differing tastes, Urbanize is proud to present a great selection of international brands that offer the best bags, storage, tech accessories, and more in order to stay mobile, safe, organized and focused on the many tasks at hand.

Whether you’re looking for a great everyday bag or one that’ll keep your things secure during your travels, Urbanize has a great selection of styles from Cabin Zero, Mojo Backpacks, Hellolulu, Pacsafe, and PKG. Meanwhile, European brand Loqi offers an eye-catching selection of reusable totes and luggage covers that are also perfect for travel.

As gadgets like smartphones and tablets are crucial to keeping up with today’s very mobile way of life, it’s important to keep these precious gadgets well protected. For this Urbanize has brands like STM and Swisstech.

Last but certainly not the least, Urbanize is also proud to carry Boombotix, artiart, and Japanese electronics accessories brand Elecom as it offers an impressive assortment of gadget accessories at various price points. Make sure to check out the brand’s cool selection of earphones, earbuds, headphones, portable speakers, portable keyboards, and more at Urbanize.

For more on Urbanize, check out the hashtags, #urbanizeph, #elecomph, #pacsafeph, #loqiph, #cabinzeroph, #pkgph, #artiartph, #suppliesfortheurbanadventure, #iloveayalamallsserin, #ayalamallsserin and #helloluluph

Visit our Urbanize branches at: Level 3 Urbanize Gateway, G/L Bldg. B. Urbanize Solenad 3, Nuvali, G/L Urbanize The District Imus, Level 1 Urbanize Ayala Serin, Tagaytay and 4/L East Wing Urbanize Shangri-La Plaza.