Maria Katrina Paras

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Banner ALPS Tagaytay

<p>In a culture that rewards hyperproductivity, savoring has quietly become a lost art. We rush meals. We skim conversations. We photograph sunsets without truly watching them. </p><p>Just a short drive from Manila, <strong>Tagaytay </strong>offers something gentler—not just cool air and familiar views of Taal Lake, but an invitation to feel again.</p><p>This is not a checklist weekend. This is a sensory one.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Taste: Fire and Familiar Comfort at Butchers Steaks &amp; Grill </strong></div><p>Start the trip with a hearty lunch. Perched at Cliffhouse compound along Aguinaldo Highway—with sweeping views of Taal Lake—<a href="https://www.instagram.com/butcherssteaksandgrill/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Butchers Steaks &amp; Grill</strong></a><strong> </strong>marries industrial farmhouse charm with warm, personable service. The interiors feel grounded yet relaxed—raw textures softened by countryside light filtering through wide windows.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737193343951.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Butchers Steaks and Grill offers gorgeous, unobstructed views of Taal Lake</span></span></span></div><p>The meal begins boldly with the <strong>pickled lengua</strong>—ox tongue confit in beef tallow, finished with balsamic salsa and chicharrones. The sour brightness cuts through richness, while the saltiness of crisp chicharrones restores balance. The tongue is tender, deeply seasoned, and surprisingly addictive — a dish that rewards curiosity.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737195927372.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">From the Pickled Ox Tongue to their Chicken Hainanese Paella, Butchers Steaks and Grill do food innovation right.</span></span></span></div><p>The <strong>Chicken Hainanese Paella</strong> might be the table’s most inventive plate. The rice has the perfect bite, infused with flavor, while the Hainanese chicken remains succulent. Paired with dipping sauces that layer Asian notes into every spoonful, the dish evolves.</p><p>The <strong>Dalmonico, a US Prime boneless ribeye</strong>, arrives tender and expertly cooked. Herbs are deep and earthy. It could carry slightly bolder seasoning, but the quality of the meat speaks confidently for itself.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737203060433.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">A must on your visit: their Essence of Beef Bulalo</span></span></span></div><p>Then comes their refined homage to a Tagaytay staple:<strong> Essence of Beef Bulalo</strong>. Instead of the usual cloudy broth, this version is clarified, made with charred beef carcass broth simmered to a clean, buttery finish. Tendon, cabbage, and marrow float in a bowl that feels nostalgic yet elevated. It is comfort, distilled.</p><p>Framed by lake views and cool Tagaytay air, lunch here feels deliberate. Fire becomes the first act of slowing down.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><strong>Aroma: Sweet Rituals at Sinta All Day Dining</strong></div><p>If Butchers is bold and flame-kissed,<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sintaalldaydining/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sinta All Day Dining</strong></a> is soft, sunlit, and made for slow mornings.</p><p>The space feels instantly inviting—airy, bright, washed in natural light that pours through wide windows and bounces off soft, uplifting palettes. It’s the kind of place you book for brunch dates that turn into three-hour catch-ups. Conversations float gently through the room. No one’s checking the time. No one’s rushing you out.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737204185834.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">From drinks to dessert, Sinta All Day Dining makes brunch worth the drive.</span></span></span></div><p>And then there’s the spread.</p><p>Sinta doesn’t do brunch halfway—they go all out. From an extensive lineup of coffees and specialty beverages to plates that feel both comforting and curated, the menu invites you to linger and order “just one more thing.” It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, generous without being chaotic.</p><p>The <strong>Crème Brûlée Mousse</strong> is cloudlike yet indulgent—caramelized notes melting into silk with every spoonful. The <strong>Sinta Apple Pie</strong>, made with Parmesan-sprinkled Fuji apples and puff pastry, is elevated further by kulfi—traditional Indian ice cream made by reducing sweetened milk for hours until it caramelizes into a thick, slow-melting richness. That creamy density plays beautifully against the tart apples and savory pastry, creating a balance that feels thoughtful rather than sweet for sweetness’s sake.</p><p>Coffee rises in fragrant curls. Plates arrive generously. Sunlight lingers on tabletops.</p><p>At Sinta, brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a mood. And savoring, in this moment, feels completely natural.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Sight: Countryside Stillness at ALPS Country Farm </strong></div><p>Beyond Tagaytay’s busy strip, in nearby Alfonso, lies <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alpscountryfarm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>ALPS Country Farm</strong></a>—a two-hectare estate where space feels expansive in every sense.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737250194235.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">ALPS Country Farm is tucked in the quiet hills of Tagaytay City.</span></span></span></div><p>Even the drive changes your pace. The road opens up, the land stretches endlessly, and suddenly the sky feels impossibly wide. The modern American farmhouse rises against the green fields—clean lines, balanced proportions, quietly beautiful without trying too hard.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737250800016.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The farmhouse is expansive, but still warm and inviting.</span></span></span></div><p>Step inside, and it immediately feels nostalgic, but never dated. Everything is thoughtfully curated. Solid wooden dining tables invite long, unhurried meals. Farmhouse knick-knacks add character without clutter. Vintage-inspired cabinets, textured throws, and warm lighting soften every corner. The palette stays earthy—creams, wood tones, muted greens—so the countryside outside continues to take center stage.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737251910427.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">An American-inspired farmhouse with amenities that are sure to indulge every guest.</span></span></span></div><p>Beyond its visual charm, ALPS is thoughtfully designed for both comfort and connection. The five bedrooms in the main villa are stylishly appointed, with plush, comfortable beds that make cool provincial mornings even more indulgent. There’s a spacious dining hall that easily transforms from elegant catered setup to lively karaoke night—the kind of space where meals stretch into music and laughter. There’s also a dedicated mahjong table for long, strategic sessions that feel both social and timeless, and a giant Jenga set adds the playful, slightly chaotic energy every group needs. For those who prefer a more effortless stay, butler service is also available at an added rate, ensuring every detail is handled with quiet attentiveness.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372932146018.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">An American-inspired farmhouse with amenities that are sure to indulge every guest.</span></span></span></div><p>Outdoors, the pool glistens under open skies, perfect for a refreshing dip in between slow afternoons. Indoors, nostalgia takes center stage with a classic Nintendo arcade, while the bright red farmhouse game lounge invites friendly competition — billiards, darts, a projector for movie nights, additional sleeping quarters for bigger groups, plus board games for laid-back bonding. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737254120848.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Perfect for groups craving nature’s tranquility.</span></span></span></div><p>For those craving a burst of adrenaline, ATV rides are available at an added cost—a rugged counterpoint to the estate’s otherwise serene, countryside rhythm.</p><p>Owner <strong>Anna Leonides Pazcoguin Santiago</strong> shares that ALPS was born during the pandemic, following the sale of a Makati property. “We wanted a bigger and more spacious property—somewhere we could breathe fresh air,” she recalls. Initially a private getaway, the estate opened for rentals in November 2022 when the couple realized such beauty deserved to be shared.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737254908479.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">One of the property’s distinctive highlights—a classic barn converted into a multi-purpose game lounge.</span></span></span></div><p>The name <strong>ALPS</strong> — derived from <strong>Anna Leonides Pazcoguin Santiago</strong> — gives the farm personal meaning. It is not just an Airbnb listing; it is a reflection of a shared story.</p><p>Designed without a contractor and managed personally during the pandemic, the project demanded sacrifice—time away from children, constant supervision, and navigating material delays. Every detail, from architectural façade to interior styling, was conceptualized by Santiago and her sister <strong>Jap Santiago-Cruz</strong>, who has a strong sense for design.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372564442710.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Every knick-knack and decor adds so much personality and charm to the barn.</span></span></span></div><p>When guests walk in, Anna hopes they immediately feel like they are on vacation. Relaxed, recharged, and embraced by nature’s warmth.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372579587011.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The main villa’s dining and entertainment areas</span></span></span></div><p>Mornings are crisp and quiet. Sunlight spills across wooden floors. Afternoons invite slow walks across the grass. As evening approaches, sunsets cast the property in gold and lavender hues. The openness is intentional—framed to highlight greenery, sky, and stillness.</p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372591089112.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The start of golden hour at ALPS Country Farm</span></span></span></div><p>Her favorite season is November to February, when the air turns cooler, and the countryside feels even more restorative. And despite the privacy and exclusivity of the area, Tagaytay’s rich city offerings are still easily accessible via a short drive. </p><p>If she were to describe ALPS in three Gs: <strong>God’s Greatest Gift.</strong></p><p>Under that expansive provincial sky, it reads less like a slogan and more like something deeply felt.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Touch: A Full-Body Reset at Niyama Wellness Center</strong></div><p>The final chapter of this slow weekend unfolds at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/niyamawellnessbyahg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Niyama Wellness Center</a>, within the serene enclosure of <a href="https://www.anyaresorts.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anya Resort Tagaytay</a>.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372637000813.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Just a 2-hour drive from Manila is the breathtaking Anya Resort Tagaytay.</span></span></span></div><p>From the moment you step in, everything feels considered. The space is immaculate; refined but never intimidating, only inviting. Neutral tones, clean architectural lines, softened daylight filtering through glass panels, and manicured greenery all work together to quiet you before you even change into a robe.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372669078815.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Anya Resort’s’ plush day beds and double infinity pools set up the perfect day for lounging.</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align:left">Their day retreat isn’t just a massage appointment—it’s a full reset. You get access to the lockers, a complete set of toiletries, a serene pool, the sauna, an invigorating cold plunge, and a one-hour signature massage, capped off with a taste of their soul food menu made with the freshest, most wholesome ingredients.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372682747016.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Niyama offers seamless day retreat programs for those seeking an easy wellness reset.</span></span></span></div><p>The sauna slowly loosens what the city has tightened. The cold plunge wakes you up in the best way—sharp and clarifying. Inside the massage room, the lighting is low and intentional. Linens are crisp. Oils warm against skin. The massage is steady and grounding—never rushed, never mechanical, enough to lull you into a tranquil sleep.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177372876871717.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Relaxation and rejuvenation are all about the details.</span></span></span></div><p>And then comes nourishment: Clean, vibrant dishes that feel restorative rather than indulgent. It seals the experience.</p><p>Here, luxury isn’t loud. It’s orderly. It’s clean. It’s thoughtful.</p><p>Touch feels less like pampering and more like upkeep. Rest feels less like escape and more like wisdom.</p><p>***</p><p>Fire by the lake. Sweetness in sunlight. Sunsets that stretch across open fields. Rest that feels earned.</p><p>In Tagaytay, pleasure and restoration don’t compete—they align.</p><p>Savoring isn’t about doing more. It’s about honoring the moment you’re already in.</p><p>And sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do is slow down enough to receive it.</p>

<p>Tagaytay<b> </b>offers something gentler—not just cool air and familiar views of Taal Lake, but an invitation to feel again.</p>

Tagaytay offers something gentler—not just cool air and familiar views of Taal Lake, but an invitation to feel again.

The Art of Savoring: A Sensory Weekend Escape to Tagaytay

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The Art of Savoring: A Sensory Weekend Escape to Tagaytay

Danah Gutierrez

Published March 17, 2026 04:00 PM PHT

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Updated March 17, 2026 04:18 PM PHT

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