Destinations
Dreamland: The making of an arts and crafts café
Zest Magazine gets “lost in paradise” in Dreamland, an arts and crafts café in Tagaytay.
Dreamland is the name of the bar in Miss Saigon; where Kim was pimped by The Engineer to the highest bidder (who happened to be Chris). In not so many words, Dreamland – in my mind – is a whorehouse…
BUT then, there’s a Dreamland in Tagaytay that perhaps wants to reclaim that word, that name from the clutches of sexualized euphoria. Instead, it wants to focus on the literal meaning of that word – i.e. as a place that, borrowing the title of that Robin Williams movie, “where dreams may come”. And so welcome to Dreamland Arts and Crafts Café.
WHAT’S THERE
The place is not that hard to find because of the its artsy appearance even from the outside. Largely made of (or at least covered with) wood, there are numerous – and I mean NUMEROUS – dreamcatchers outside Dreamland, immediately giving it a sense of being peculiar (if not Bohemian). So much so that the sign a the door, which reads “Lost in paradise”, doesn’t sound… trite.
The inside is divided into “sections”. One section (at the left when you enter the door) has stalls; these have goodies from artists and (let’s admit this) pretend-artists that are for sale. On top of this section is a sitting venue for customers. On the right of this section (with the stalls) is the bar/order counter. At the right of the bar/order counter – and which can be seen from the outside – are more seats for the customers. These seats are also surrounded by stalls with more stuffs from artists, all of them for sale.
Dreamland is, to start, a café. And so expect to see café goods here – e.g. kape/coffee (obviously), frappes and pastries galore. But this place is more than just a café; it’s already a mini-resto of sorts, and even offers “silog” meals (more on these later)…
Dreamland is also an “art space”, and so there are “spots” where anyone can do art pieces. These pieces may also be hanged/pasted on a corkboard by the main door.
And, of course, Dreamland is also a “store” (as noted repeatedly), allowing artists to sell their wares to diners and… just about everyone who goes there.
WHY GO THERE
Suffice to say, Dreamland is quite an enticing place. This is particularly true for various reasons…
- If you’re health-conscious.
For instance, there are coolers that are healthy – e.g. Indie Minty Pinomansi (from P100), Indie Greens Kalamychee (from P100), and Indie Minty Strawberry (from P100). There’s also detox water (P60), and lemon water (P25).
- If you want to imbibe that artsy feel.
I’m not sure everyone knows the relevance of dreamcatchers, but that there’s a place full of them in Tagaytay at all is already enough of a come-on for many (like me)…
- Support local.
And yes, if you want to support local, this is a good place to start. There are more localized versions of teas, for instance – e.g. tanglad, malunggay, salabat, lagundi and guyabano (P100 per teapot). Also, the goods being sold are often made (by hand) by local artists; so if you want to support them, head here…
WHY AVOID THE PLACE
HOWEVER, just because this place seem “cool” doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I, myself, found some things that made me not fully like the place…
For instance, for a venue that has an extremely long menu, so many of the offerings supposedly there aren’t (always) available.
In the two visits, faves like Mamung’s Matcha Mambo (from P80), Sylvanillas Crunch (P120), Indie Greeantea Affogato (P140), and Sansdreamval (150) weren’t available. The same was true with many of the yummy (even if quite pricey) frappes (P200 to P240) – e.g. Matcha ni Tsang (P240), Avocado George (P210), Dream de Leche (P210), and Uberly Gerry (P210).
The place can be expensive for some – e.g. chicken wings cost P200 per serving, potato wedges for P160 per serving (to share), rice toppings from P100 (for Oh My Omelette) to P150 (for Hippie Wings of Love), and ‘silog” from P180 to P220 (!).
This place is also needed to be “dayo”/specifically targeted, and so for those without private transpo, it may not always be accessible.
IN THE END…
Without a doubt, Dreamland has its charm – from the numerous dreamcatchers to the local goods being sold. But it also has limitations (e.g. can be expensive, limited availability of goods, quite far). I’d say, though, that with the proliferation of the likes of CBTL and Starbucks (and others that so many of us see as emblems of “development” and “progress”), anything local – like Dreamland – ought to be supported somewhat. And here, a visit is called for, even if done only once so one can decide for oneself if it’s a place worth visiting indeed…
For more information on Dreamland Arts and Crafts Café, head to @DreamlandTagaytay or @DreamlandLipa in Facebook; or search for #dreamlandph.
Destinations
Singapore Airlines launches travel-themed afternoon tea experience
Available from 20 September to 20 November 2024, this culinary adventure offers guests1 a unique opportunity to savour global flavours inspired by destinations in SIA’s extensive network.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced the launch of “Singapore Airlines Cafe at the Writers Bar – Teatime Experience Around the World”, an exclusive travel-themed afternoon tea experience in partnership with Raffles Makati and Mastercard.
Available from 20 September to 20 November 2024, this culinary adventure offers guests1 a unique opportunity to savour global flavours inspired by destinations in SIA’s extensive network. The carefully curated menu features delectable treats such as spicy roasted duck salad with homemade sambal sauce, foie gras parfait on brioche, Belgian hazelnut praline crunch, Australian lamingtons, and Manhattan-style blueberry cream cheese scones.
Liwei Tai, General Manager Philippines, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our carefully curated Singapore Airlines Cafe afternoon tea experience at the Writers Bar offers customers a glimpse into exciting flavours from around the world, and invites individuals to visit unique destinations in Singapore Airlines’ extensive network. We look forward to offering customers a world-class travel experience when they travel with us to embark on their next culinary adventure.”
Bernd Schneider, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Makati, said: “Each bite of this meticulously curated teatime set unfolds a narrative inspired by the rich tapestry of global flavours. Raffles Makati is thrilled to collaborate with a world-class brand like Singapore Airlines, creating a unique experience that celebrates culinary artistry and captures the spirit of exploration and adventure.”
Customers who purchased an SIA ticket with their Mastercard debit or credit card during the promotion period can enjoy 50% off the afternoon tea set (full price at PHP 3,200++) when they pay for their culinary experience with a Mastercard card. KrisFlyer members may also choose to redeem the afternoon tea experience for two with 7,500 KrisFlyer miles. New and existing KrisFlyer members who have not purchased an SIA ticket during the promotional period can also enjoy the experience at PHP 3,200++ using a Mastercard card. The afternoon tea experience will be available daily from 2.00pm to 5.30pm, between 20 September and 20 November 2024.
Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard, said: “Mastercard is excited to partner with Singapore Airlines and Raffles Makati to bring people closer to their culinary passion – and each other. At Mastercard, we know that shared experiences matter more than things. This specially curated afternoon tea experience will bring Mastercard cardholders – and their loved ones – on an exploration around the world through food, elevating their culinary experience and creating truly unforgettable memories for them.”
Additionally, every afternoon tea experience purchase or KrisFlyer Experiences redemption enters customers into an e-raffle for a chance to win attractive prizes such as deluxe overnight stays at Fairmont Makati, as well as the grand prize of a pair of round-trip Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Singapore with a luxurious two-night stay at Raffles Singapore.
Destinations
Pinoys’ top picks for weekend adventures
With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.
Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.
With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.
Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.
Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”
Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:
Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic
landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros,
the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The
city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a
quick urban escape.
Cebu
Known
as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and
rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive
in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the
highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.
Tagaytay
Just
a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool
climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely
day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax
in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.
Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.
Batangas
Batangas
is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine
beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both
adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to
historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded
destination.
Agoda’s extensive
offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight
routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same
booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.
Travel
70% of Filipino travelers can’t get enough of their favorite spot: Agoda
Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.
It turns out that one trip to Japan just isn’t enough for most of us. Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking reveals that 70% of Filipino travelers return to their favorite destinations. The ranking, which was compiled from a survey conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, shows Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are leading the pack as the ultimate hotspots for returning visitors, followed by Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.
55% of travelers have visited their favorite destination between 1 to 3 times in the past decade, making up the largest chunk of repeat visitors. 10% of travelers have even visited their favorite destination ten times or more.
Mike Hwang, Country Director for the Philippines at Agoda shared, “Where some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations. Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Filipino travelers, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are more than just destinations, they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make any trip enjoyable, no matter if it’s the first or the tenth.”
When asked what makes Japan, Thailand, and South Korea so irresistible, half of Filipino respondents chose “Ease of Travel” at 50% as the primary reason. “Local Cuisine” at 47% was a close second, followed by “Convenient location” at 34%, “Safety and Cleanliness” at 33%, and “Previous Positive Experience” at 30% to round out the top five.
Looking at the survey data from an Asia-wide perspective, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that Asian travelers can’t get enough of, respectively 44% of Asian travelers listed “Ease of Travel” as the main reason for going back to their favorite destination.
Interestingly, this aligns with the preferences of Filipino travelers, who also prioritize ease of travel and local cuisine.
Agoda offers travelers great deals on a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities for everyone looking to revisit their favorite destinations. Whether it’s the first visit or the tenth, Agoda’s easy-to-use features helps travelers plan and book the next adventure with ease.
-
Product Showcase4 weeks ago
7-Eleven opens 4,000th store in PH
-
Product Showcase3 weeks ago
Listerine partners with Operation Smile Philippines, Watsons to #GiftASmile to children with cleft issues
-
Product Showcase4 days ago
TCL partners with Ronac Art Museum
-
Beauty & Fashion4 days ago
PUMA opens two new stores in PH
-
NewsMakers2 days ago
Young Filipinos more susceptible to illness despite health awareness, says Manulife study
-
NewsMakers3 weeks ago
Not in the mood for sex after menopause?
-
NewsMakers2 weeks ago
Watsons hosts PowHER Forum
-
Product Showcase2 weeks ago
Pru Life UK named Circle of Excellence Awardee