Local Eco-Friendly Bag Designer Shares Her Side of Tagaytay City Tourists Rarely See!

Of the many operating Tagaytay hotels, Anya Resort Tagaytay prides itself for its ecological practices. Meanwhile, another resident has taken this advocacy to heart by making sure her startup subscribes to eco-friendly ways to lessen the carbon footprint in her beloved hometown.

Meet Jennilyn Peñalba Banda, 29, born and raised in Tagaytay City. Also known as "Choi" to family and friends, she is the owner of artotell—a one-woman startup creating trendy, reusable, and carry-all tote bags for every occasion.

"I started artotell in 2016—a few years after getting my tourism degree from Cavite State University. Ama taught us how to use a sewing machine at an early age. I fell in love with it."

Operating at a makeshift workshop right from her childhood home, Choi focuses on tote bags made from sustainable materials which she painstakingly pieces together and individually hand paints—sometimes with the help of friends and hired workers.

"Our tote bags are made-to-order. Customers order in bulk for their quirky wedding souvenirs, corporate giveaways, and similar kinds of events. It can also be used for daily errands like grocery shopping, working out, or going to the bank. It's very versatile, handy, and easy-to-wash. It eliminates the use of single-use plastic bags and you can also avoid constantly buying eco-bags at the supermarket."

Choi initially aspired to get a job related to her course. She even worked in the Middle East for a couple of years, but the longing for loved ones brought her back to her home city.

"Growing up here and studying tourism made me appreciate the environment more. I wanted to come back home and do something where I can use my education and my love for Mother Earth at the same time."

She also shared a side of Tagaytay that non-locals often overlook for the usual spots. Here are 5 of them:

Aozora Japanese Restaurant

"I'm not a big meat-eater. I mostly go for fish and ramen that's why I come here. Plus, it's classy, cozy, and quiet. Perfect for chilly afternoons which pretty much happens daily here."

Taza Mia Coffee

"After a heavy meal, we usually spend a few hours drinking coffee and enjoying light-hearted laughs and conversations here. Sometimes they have live music, but I mostly go here to relax and get my caffeine fix."

Tagaytay City Track Oval

"Sometimes when work gets too overwhelming, I go out for a run at the local track oval. Aside from jogging, you can also play frisbee, go biking, and walk your dogs here. I come here around late afternoon so I could watch the sunset before the day ends."

Ukay-Ukay Hub

"I love thrifting because I can get chic outfits for less plus it also helps in conserving energy and resources. Sometimes, I even make bags out of cute shorts and pants that I get from here."

Anya Resort Tagaytay

I haven't had the pleasure of staying at Anya, but we have visited and worked with them for a wedding that my friends' companies Evertrend and Thal Ruin Photography had not too long ago. I personally liked Anya Tagaytay's rooms plus the amazing views. I also appreciate that they are using eco-friendly practices to lessen the damage most businesses and tourist leave in Tagaytay.
For more information on Artotell Bags Collection, visit their Facebook page here or follow them on @artotellph.

To know more about Anya Hotel Tagaytay and its eco-sustainable processes, log on to their website at www.anyaresorts.com.

Enjoy the Wonders of Christmas at One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

With Christmas only weeks away, it’s going to be difficult to get hotel reservations now. Even so, there’s still time! One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites has a special promo for those who want to go somewhere special this season. Even people grabbing holiday reservations left and right, this Tagaytay hotel still has rooms available.

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites is located in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, like Sky Ranch and the Tagaytay Picnic Grove. So if you’re looking for a fun place to bond with your family and friends, you’ve found the right place.

It’s also just a 90-minute drive from Metro Manila, which means you don’t need to go far from the city, making it a convenient place to be for those who need last minute vacation plans. What’s more, there are special perks in store for people who book directly from the hotel’s website.

With their Himig ng Pasko promo, you can get rooms for 2 starting at PHP 7,888. On top of that, you can choose between a Foot Spa or Revitalize Massage to ease your tired body. You can even treat yourself to a Christmas Eve dinner.

Don’t miss this chance to give your friends and loved ones a perfect vacation to top off this year!

Rooms and Rates:

Deluxe Room – PHP 7,888
One Bedroom Suite – PHP 8,888

Package Inclusions:

– Choice of Foot Spa with leg and foot massage or Revitalize Massage for 2 persons
– Glass of wine for 2 persons
– Dinner buffet for 2 persons
– Breakfast for 2 persons
– Live choir performance
– Raffle draw every hour

Promo is valid on December 24, 2017 ONLY

*Rates and mechanics may change without prior notice

******

About the Hotel

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites combines serene landscapes and luxurious country-style comforts for a truly relaxing vacation. This Tagaytay accommodation offers lush rooms that are decorated with exquisite earth tones and equipped with soothing lights to guarantee a tranquil break. Each suite comes equipped with soft mattresses and pillows to ease tired travelers. Other amenities include an LCD TV with cable channels, a mini-bar, and Wi-Fi access.

Among this Tagaytay hotel’s many luxuries include delicious feasts at the Amacena and calming spa treatments at O’Spa. Whether you’re looking to stay in for a soothing vacation or exploring the nearby town, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites can guarantee tranquility and solace from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites is located at 445 Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Barrio Sungay West, Tagaytay City, 4120, Philippines. For direct bookings, visit their official website. You can also check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for more info about ongoing promos.

Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay, Truly a Spa Destination on Top

Are you in search of the best spa destination in Tagaytay City, Philippines? Let's cut to the chase — it's Nurture WellnessVillage, hands down. Not only does it have a location in one of the country's most romantic, picturesque places famous for a cool and crisp climate. It also boasts a peerless menu of exquisite eco-therapy treatments plus a couple of irrefutable recognitions under its belt.

A name that you will find on lists of BESTs

How many spas can say that CNN has included them in a list? In May 2010, Nurture Wellness Village was named by this world-recognized media outfit as among the 28 most relaxing spas in Asia. It shared the limelight with Oazia Spa Villas in Bali, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in Maldives, Four Seasons in Hong Kong, Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, and Armani/Spa in Tokyo, among others. You can read the full article here: www.cnn.it/VHg6Rx. In addition, Nurture Wellness Village was also recognized by Asia Spa Magazine as one of the top 7 spas in the Philippines.

The healing power of touch, magnified

A quick look at Nurture's menu of treatments will tell you that when it comes to wellness, they mean serious business. Exhibit A: Sinaunang Lunas, the spa's rendition of the tried-and-tested ancient Filipino healing treatments. Your options: Nilaib (stone massage), Hilot Kagalingan (fuses Asian therapies that cure common ailments), Dagdagay Foot Massage (tribal foot treatment that utilizes herbal clay and bamboo sticks), and Lunas ni Nanay (combines Filipino traditional massage and Ventosa).

If you think a 1.5-hour massage is not enough to soothe your tired body and senses, then pick an item from Nurture's Hiyas Spa Jewels, a menu of treatment combinations. Other categories offered at this Tagaytay spa resort are Algotherm Treatments, Haplos Kalinga Massage Journeys, Biodroga Luxurious Facials, Paraiso Garden Joys, and Tropical Body Treatments. For more information, visit http://www.nurturewellnessvillage.com/.

Location information

Nurture Wellness Village is located approximately 1 hour from Manila. To reach the address of this spa and accommodation in Tagaytay City, follow these driving directions:

1. On South Expressway, exit to Sta. Rosa or Greenfields City.

2. Follow the signs to Tagaytay City. Once you're on the ridge, turn right.

3. When you reach the rotunda, drive to the direction of Nasugbu.

4. Be on the lookout for restaurants (Starbucks, Leslie’s, Dencios, Carlos Pizza) on your left. Once you've spotted them, take a right at Magallanes Square.

5. Signs will point you to Nurture Spa Village, which is approximately 3 km away.

Villa Marinelli Tagaytay is More Than Your Usual Bed and Breakfast

Packed with splendid features that go beyond the expected, Villa Marinelli Bed and Breakfast shows travelers that it is more than the conventional bed and breakfast. While some would think that this accommodation is modest, this one surprises when it comes to providing comfort, convenience, and leisure.

Here are 8 things that make Villa Marinelli unique and adored by couples, friends, and families looking to spend quality time in Tagaytay.

1. Very desirable guestrooms

Villa Marinelli does more than lending that inviting feeling of home. It gives you a chance to stay in a dream house. The rooms and suites are clean, spacious, stylish, and offer a lulling and romantic ambience via soft lights and stunning views.

2. All the essential amenities and more

The classy rooms are appointed with stylish furniture, decor, and fixtures that will make you feel like you are staying at a large hotel or resort. Each has an LCD TV, bath with hot and cold shower, complete toiletries, safety deposit box, mini-bar, refrigerator, hair dryer, and free Wi-Fi Internet access.

3. Delightful breakfasts

Aside from the beautiful scenery, another thing to get excited about waking up here is the free daily breakfast. If you like toast, bacon, omelet, and orange juice, ask for the American breakfast. If you prefer fried rice, sunny-side-up, longganisa, and coffee, then the Filipino meal is definitely for you.

4. Convenient facilities

Aside from romantic rooms and delectable meals, this Tagaytay accommodation also has a range of facilities to further make your holiday fun and satisfying. There's a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and complimentary Internet Wi-Fi access.

5. Reliable services

This place also offers a friendly and attentive staff that will take care of your every need through a 24-hour reception, morning calls, parking area, and room service.

6. Great location

Villa Marinelli is located along Sta. Rosa Road, Tagaytay City's main highway. Tagaytay itself is just 90 minutes from Metro Manila. The hotel is but a short walk from various souvenir shops, restaurants, establishments, transport terminals, and tourist spots.

7. Notable destinations nearby

After enjoying the spoils inside this accommodation in Tagaytay, you and your loved ones will have no trouble reaching the most-visited attractions in the city. These include Robinsons Mall, Mahogany Market, PAGCOR Casino, and Picnic Grove, to name a few.

8. Unlimited activities

There's a lot of activities that you can engage in during your stay. For grown-ups, there's a coffee shop inside where they can bring gadgets to enjoy free Wi-Fi with their hot beverages. Kids, on the other hand, will have a blast in the game room or Sky Ranch theme park not too far from Villa Marinelli Bed and Breakfast.