The year started really cray-cray, and I haven’t caught some time to breathe.

Work is piling up, relationships are struggling due to hectic schedule, and the next thing you know, three months have passed.

At a time of a much-needed break, OPPO Philippines gave us an early access launch of the OPPO Reno11 F 5G at Dasmariñas, Cavite, which is an hour away from my favorite weekend destination: Tagaytay City. Heading there is a no-brainer, especially when you badly need some time to recharge.

When in Tagaytay, I always opt for a run-sleep-eat-lounge routine. This time around, I discovered spots in and around Tagaytay, which will definitely make your weekend getaway a real breather.

Bloom at Perlas Ng Silang

When your everyday routine is comprised of seeing cityscapes, traffic jams, and bustling streets, a flower farm might just give you a fresh perspective from everything in your life.

Perlas ng Silang, for instance, is a 3.5-hectare tourist destination owned by horticulturists.

The flower field is less than half an hour away from where I was staying (Taal Vista Hotel), which makes it the perfect first activity in the morning.

Upon entering the flower fields, you’ll see a bunch of vibrant Crested Cock’s Comb (Celosia Cristata) in blazing red and golden yellow. The Celosias hover over other floras, greeting the guests of the Flower Field with their tall, striking bloom.

You can also spot Globe Amaranths, Wishbone flowers, along with Cosmos flowers in Cosmic Red and Yellow Sulfur that make walking inside the field feel like you’re in a K-Drama Rom-Com.

Walking inside the Flower Field can take away all the woes in your present life. The flowers blooming at every sight refreshes your eyes and mind, making it easy to lose yourself in the grandeur of beauty around.

In the middle of the field, you’ll easily spot a vibrant, orange Volkswagen Beetle. It looks like a ladybug sitting on top of the flowers. The Celosias’ colorful petals adorned and complemented the VW Beetle.

That Red-Orange-Yellow combo is just *chef’s kiss*. The designer in me is ~ecstatic~ upon seeing it.

Throughout the field, I also took a selfie with my good friend Colin Chan from UnGeek. He brought along his yellow Louis Vuitton bag that matches the striking hues inside the flower field.

More flowers for you

The vast field acted like a playground for aspiring photographers as well. Every spot is picture-worthy. You just need to find the right perspective to get a picturesque shot.

It requires you to be creative in your framing, since the tourist destination is packed with guests taking their photo-ops.

Just like in life, there are things you can’t control. But you can shift your perspective and look at things differently.

When you’re exhausted, Perlas ng Silang also offers refreshments and fresh meals that will suit your palate. I had the Cucumber Lemonade and it felt like I was cleansed and refreshed at the same time.

Perlas ng Silang is located at 5 Pulong Bunga Rd, Silang, Cavite near the House of Maharlika. It is a short-drive coming from Tagaytay City. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Fill your tummy at Papa Bolo

In front of the popular Sky Ranch in Tagaytay City, you can find Papa Bolo — a three-story brewpub serving locally produced Filipino craft beer with overlooking views.

Open on Sunday to Monday from 11AM to 9PM and Wednesday to Saturday from 12NN to 12MN, the place is ideal for getting late lunch and day-drinking.

During our stay, we get to try various dishes that really filled our tummy.

For starters, we delighted at the Streetfood platter. Funny enough, I was craving some Filipino street food like Fishballs the night before. I guess the universe manifested it by offering what I wanted, but more.

The platter consisted of lobster, cuttlefish and cheese burst balls, Kwek-Kwek (Fried Orange Quail Eggs), and Kikiam, drenched in the popular Manong’s sauce.

Of course, when in Tagaytay, you just can’t miss Bulalô. Papa Bolo’s Goto Bulalo features Tagaytay beef. It was so flavorsome, I had to refill from the soup multiple times. Frankly, this is my favorite Filipino dish, along with Pork Sinigang.

While eating the esteemed Bulalô, the waiters served Pata Bolo comprised of crispy fried pork thigh, topped with tamarind, garlic, chilis, and other herbs. So much meat, right?

After the main course, Papa Bolo served a dessert looking like the Taal Volcano. The raspberry jam seemed like the lava dripping from the crater, and the whole volcano was made from meringue and sweet pea sponge.

Going down from the roofdeck, you can see the brewery on the other side. There are opportunities to tour inside the brewery, but I opt not to. I was abstaining to prepare for my marathons, and the smell of craft beer might tempt me into day-drinking.

I’m certain there’ll be a next time, because Papa Bolo is worth coming back for.

Papa Bolo is located at the corner of Crisanto De Los Reyes Avenue and Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite, 4120, Philippines.

Seize the day at Preziosa Farms

With still a long day ahead, heading to Preziosa Farms might be the respite you need from the pressures of the urban life.

When I arrived, I felt the tranquility it offers. It made me want to retreat from the world, away from its noises and distractions.

That’s precisely what Preziosa Farms offers. It’s a 16-hectare Botanic Park and Farm Resort filled with lush greenery. The place is like a sanctuary for those who want to have some laid-back weekends.

The place is designed for people to roam around — by foot or with wheels.

There’s even a gazebo on top of hills, meant for people who want to enjoy the fresh, cool breeze under a shade but with overlooking views of greenery.

How can you not love it here?

There are Big Pedal Go Karts, bicycles, and even e-scooters that you can use to explore the area.

The Go Karts are perfect for healing your inner child, since it allows you to be in your playful state. And there are no one to judge you as you pedal around.

Well-versed with electronic kick scooters, I decided to use one to explore the botanical farm.

Taking selfies here and there for my ‘gram, but also decided not to stay out in the open since the heat was getting unbearable.

During my visit, I learned about the flora and fauna inside the farm. The tour guide shared trivial facts that changed the way I see plants, herbs, and other vegetables I don’t find important.

But what I loved the most about the tour is how guests get to feed the farm’s flock of sheep. It was quite enjoyable to see the rams and ewes rushing to eat the leaves we offer. And it was exhausting to know the fact that they never get full, so we have to stop feeding them at some point.

Somehow, Preziosa Farms made me love what it’s like to be at peace again. The botanical park and farm resort offered me a haven to reconnect with myself, the nature, and my surroundings. It’s a welcome change from the hustle-bustle of my everyday routine.

Preziosa Farms is located at Barangay Sulsugin, Alfonso, Cavite. For more information, visit their website.

Wind down at Mrs. Saldo’s

When you want to continue your peace and quiet, winding down at Mrs. Saldo’s might be the best option. It’s a bespoke private dining restaurant, inside a 5,000sqm property located in Silang, Cavite.

Inside, you can find a vibrant and luscious greenery adorning architectural pieces that are aesthetically-pleasing to look at.

The night was blissful as we tour inside the property. I didn’t get to explore the whole place, but I stayed the most at my favorite spots: art and winery.

Here’s a portrait of me at the cold stock room.

Out of all the spots inside Mrs. Saldo’s, this just might be my favorite. It feels like… home. I’m not an alcoholic, I promise, but if I wasn’t training for my marathons, I could chug a whole bottle of wine in a few minutes.

Every corner is just picture-worthy, but my senses feast at the sight of beautiful decorations, the mixture of nature and design, and the laid-back atmosphere.

Art pieces can be found, mixed with the architectural pieces inspired from various cultures. Mrs. Saldo’s isn’t just a feast for your tummies, but also for your mind, heart, and soul.

It was blissful to be surrounded by beauty in different forms, and I had plenty of time to appreciate what was in front of me. Staying present in these scenarios can be quite challenging, but I pulled through. I forgot about the outside world, lost in my thoughts of wanting to be surrounded by everything pretty.

Sumptuous meals, anyone?

Striking interiors aside, the actual belle of the ball is the unique dining experience at Mrs. Saldo’s.

We were first served with a sourdough platter with crab dip. Although, I didn’t eat this one due to dietary restrictions. But I can tell from the people who ate it that it was wonderful, based on their facial reactions.

Next, we were served with Caesar Salads with Bacon and Croutons, topped with Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with the Roasted Sweet Potatoes soaked in Rosemary Butter, adorned with Walnuts and Goat’s Cheese. Eating both was just heavenly, I kept coming back for more.

For the main course, Mrs. Saldo’s served us a pan-seared Pompano with Cauliflower Puree along with a Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce. Then, they served us Braised US Short Ribs along with a Lemon Garlic Pasta.

For that latter meal, I didn’t get to take a photo. When it was served, I dove straight ahead since both meals were my favorite. I mean, how can I say no to ribs and garlic pasta in front of me?

And when we were full, they served us the Ooey Gooey Cookie Ala Mode with chocolate syrup. I just couldn’t say no to this sweet treat that I tried to finish it even if I was really full.

Everything about Mrs. Saldo’s is noteworthy. From its interiors to its dining experience — there’s a reason why this best-kept secret restaurant is well-loved by gourmands and celebrities. It has that je ne sais quoi that you’ll always remember. No words or photos can showcase its charm. You just have to be there!

The Gear: OPPO Reno11 F 5G

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G proved to be a worthy companion when you’re trying to have a reset from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Its cameras take gram-worthy portraits, and even landscapes of the destinations you visit.

SEE ALSO: Found: Cute smartphone to match your coquette aesthetic

---

Off the Grid is a series on GadgetMatch.com, showcasing our trips using different smartphones and cameras. It’s also a documented guide on things to do, what to eat, where to stay, and everything else you might visit the same place.