Jack's Ridge @ 15 Years: A Nite with Chef Karlo

Photo by Ian Garcia

More than just the view...

When it comes to must-see destinations in Davao City, Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant is always on top of the list. Many people visit Jack's Ridge because of its overlooking view of the city, but, it is actually more than just the view. Jack's Ridge is also about sumptuous food.

One of the places where you can have good food and at the same time enjoy a panoramic view of the city is Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee. It offers French, Italian and Mexican dishes that you'll surely love. You can have your complete meal at Karlo's and enjoy a cup of coffee after your delectable meal. 

On its 15th anniversary, Jack's Ridge will offer a special dinner for its guests. You can enjoy a "Nite with Chef Karlo" at Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee with your friends and family on December 12-14, 2014. Here's a sneak peek of the dishes which will be served on this special occasion. 

Soups

There will be two types of soups which will be offered - Seafood Tomato Soup which is a creamy tomato soup with clams and blue mussels and Apple Chowder, a light and creamy soup with bits of apple, potato and sweet corn.

Seafood Tomato Soup

Appetizers

Karlo's appetizers during the special night is a choice between Bruschetta with Parma Ham & Tomatoes and Shrimp Ceviche. I love the Shrimp Ceviche, the fresh coconut milk and vinegar complements well to the fresh shrimps.

Shrimp Ceviche

Salads

Chef Karlo will be preparing Cherry Tomatoes with Feta Cheese Salad and Lyonnaise Salad with Breaded Chicken for you to enjoy during the anniversary dinner. The former is a combination of juicy cherry tomatoes in dark honey and lemon juice dressing topped with feta cheese. The latter is a mixture of greens with julienne carrots, turnips, cucumber, and Kentucky beans and then topped with poached egg and sliced breaded chicken breast.

Lyonnaise Salad with Breaded Chicken

Cherry Tomatoes with Feta Cheese Salad

Pastas

One of my favorite dishes is pasta and I must say I definitely enjoyed the Spaghetti alle Vongole served to us. It's spaghetti pasta cooked in garlic, olive oil, white wine and cream and then topped with clams and fresh basil. Other pastas which will be served are Grilled Seafood Fra Diavolo and Pasta with Anchovies, Olives and Capers.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Main Course

The delectable main courses included in the menu are worth a try. My most favorite dish was the Grilled Prawns with Yoghurt Salsa Verde. It was simply delightful. Another favorite is the Mexican Rib Eye, a grilled Mexican rib eye with cilantro and roasted bell pepper salsa with Mexican rice and mango salsa on the side. Other equally good dishes served during the food tasting were Roasted Garlic Chicken, Lengua, and Pork Steak with Pineapple Confit.

Mexican Rib Eye

Grilled Prawns with Yoghurt Salsa Verde

Roasted Garlic Chicken

Pork Steak with Pineapple Confit

Lengua

It was definitely a gratifying food tasting session. So, save the date and experience a Nite with Chef Karlo on December 12-14, 2014 only at Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee at Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant.

The Most Picturesque Churches in the Philippines to Get Married

A selection of the most beautiful churches and chapels to tie the knot from all over the Philippines.

Church wedding in this predominantly catholic country is valued by most people who desire to anoint their ties with eternal bliss. Here's a list of picturesque churches (in no particular order) in Luzon, Visayas and in Mindanao you may want to consider.

St. James Church in Dapitan

St. James Church was built by the Jesuits in 1971 in honor of St. James the Great, the patron saint of Dapitan. It is situated right at the heart of Dapitan City. The most amazing feature of the church is its colorful and vibrant ceiling.

St. James Church 

The San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church in Paco, Manila

Popularly known as Paco Church, the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church is notable of its romanesque-byzantine interior.

Paco Church | Photo by: Shubert Ciencia

San Agustin Church in Manila

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, San Agustin Church is one of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines designated as World Heritage site by UNESCO.

San Agustin Church | Photo by Romel Jaime of San Josenyong Gala

Saint Augustine Church in Paoay

Commonly known as Paoay Church, Saint Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte is famous for its distinct architecture. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 1972 by the Philippine government. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site under the collective group of Baroque Churches in the Philippines.

Saint Augustine Chruch / Paoay Church

Saint Anne Parish / Molo Church in Iloilo

The St. Anne Parish Church also known as Molo Church is one of the most picturesque churches in Western Visayas. Located in Molo District, Iloilo, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Molo Church | Photo by The Pinoy Traveller

Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours in Taal, Batangas

Considered to be one of the biggest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines, the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours  stands 95 meters long and 45 meters wide on a plateau in the center of Taal. It was designed by the famed Spanish architect Don Luciano Oliver.

Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours | Photo by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com

Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Located in the District of Binondo, Manila, the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is one of the popular attractions within Manila's Chinatown.

Binondo Church

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila

Also known as Quiapo Church, The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is home to the popular Black Nazarene statue.

Quiapo Church | Photo by David Gonzalez

Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church in Maasin City

The Maasin Cathedral, also known as Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church is a brick structure with a towering ceiling and has a colorful and bright interior.

Maasin Cathedral

Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati

Santuario de San Antonio which literally means "Sanctuary of Saint Anthony" is one of the most famous preferred wedding venues in Metro Manila.

Santuario de San Antonio Parish | Photo by: Yam Manuel

St. Joseph Church in Baguio City

Located at Pacdal Circle, St. Joseph Church  is  Baguio's most famous church where the celebrity couple Aga Mulach and Charlene Gonzales tied the knot. 

St. Joseph Church

Barasoain Church in Bulacan

Barasoain Church which is also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish is one of the most popular and historical landmarks in the Philippines. The church is known for its architectural design and beautiful interior.

Barasoain Church

San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church in Nagcarlan, Laguna

San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church or simply the Nagcarlan Church is one of Laguna's beautiful churches. Due to its picturesque feature it became a popular wedding venue in the province. 

Nagcarlan Church | Photo by Jeffrey Rilles of TravelingMorion.com

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga City

Also known as Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the major tourist attractions in Naga City. It is a famous Latin Rite Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Church of St. Louis, Bishop of Toulous in Lucban, Quezon

Commonly known as Lucban Church, the Church of St. Louis, Bishop of Toulouse is located at the heart of the town proper of Lucban in  Quezon Province. It is where the popular Pahiyas festival originated. 

Lucban Church

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church in Daraga, Albay

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church, commonly known as Daraga Church is one of the most picture-perfect structures in Albay. You'll be able to have a great view of Mt. Mayon from the church on a clear, sunny day. 

Daraga Church

St. John the Baptist Church in Tabaco, Albay

The church of San Juan Bautista or St. John the Baptist Church is one of the most visited religious structures in the province of Albay. It has been declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum in 2001.

St. John the Baptist Church 

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City
The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral which is also known as The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and St. Vitales has a typical Spanish colonial architecture. 

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral | Photo by: Christian Vincent Literatus of The Bisdak Explorer

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church / Miagao Church in Iloilo
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church or simply the Miagao Church is one of Iloilo's most visited man-made structures. 

Miagao Church

Caleruega Church in Tagaytay
The Transfiguration Chapel of Caleruega is one of Batangas' top choice when it comes to wedding venues. Its facade is similar to the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain.

Caleruega Church | Photo by Izel Gonzales

Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon

Designed by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist for Architecture,  the Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon is known for its picturesque facade.

Monastery of Transfiguration | Photo by Jeffrey Rilles of TravelingMorion.com

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Dipolog City
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was built by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894. Today, it continues to attract tourists and locals for its magnificent facade and interior.

Dipolog Cathedral

Tukon Chapel in Batanes

A project of the Abad family for the nearby communities so they wouldn't have to go farther to attend the holy mass, Tukon Chapel resembles a typical Ivatan stone House. It is an iconic structure in the Island province of Batanes. 

Tukon Chapel | Photo by: Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com

Roman Catholic Church Wedding Requirements:

If you are planning for a Catholic Church Wedding in the Philippines, below are the requirements.

1. Baptismal Certificate

2. Confirmation Certificate

3. Birth Certificate and Certificate of No Record of Mariage (CENOMAR)

4. Photo ID

5. Pre-Cana Seminar / Wedding Seminar

6. Marriage Banns

7. Canonical Interview

8. Confession

9. List of entourage and Principal Sponsors

10. Marriage License

11. list of songs, if applicable

12. Church permit for photographer and videographer, if applicable

For more info about these requirements, visit Purplelue.com

Where Do Broken Hearts Go in the Philippines?

A getaway to an unknown or a familiar destination can somehow help to mend a broken heart. We all have different mechanisms to deal with it. Some of us want a quiet place to unwind and some want a crowded place to party hard. Whether you want the former or the latter, the destinations listed below feature activities to get you in shape, unwind, de-stress, party, pamper yourself or just to give you a little distraction for a while.

As what Bess Myerson wrote, "to fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful." True, right? Especially if you are the party who wanted the relationship to last a lifetime. Mending a broken heart is never easy, there is no quick way or a shortcut process to stop your heart from hurting so much. But, going on a holiday might be a remedy to help you deal with the pain. I have listed popular and off-beat destinations in the Philippines where broken hearts can go.  

1. Go through your intense pain in Talicud Island

You have to grieve in order to move on. You have to feel the pain and go through it and eventually surface as a better and stronger person ready to face another challenges along the way. Talicud Island offers pristine white sand beaches where you can  lie down and feel the heartache. It is not a crowded place so you will definitely have your own moment.

2. Detach and find yourself again in Calaguas

Pack your things, bring a tent and head over to Calaguas. There is no phone signal in Calaguas so you will have more time in finding yourself. Detaching is all about finding the best in you without rushing to be in a new relationship or try to desperately win back your lover. The best feeling is when you realize that you don't need anyone or anything to make you happy. That you can live without him/her in your life. It's not an easy task but slowly, you'll get there. 

3. Unwind in Biri

Visit Biri's rock formations and relax, list down your strengths and get ready to take new challenges in life. It's good to know what are your strengths so you can capitalize on them and little by little forget about the heartache. Move on from the pain and start being productive. If he/she is not for you, someone out there deserves you better. Just believe!

4. Rediscover yourself in Batanes

Head your way to Marlboro Country and spend a day rediscovering yourself. Think about the things you want to do, the things you want to achieve in the future. Stop thinking about him/her, focus on yourself and you'll be surprised about the things that you want in your life without depending on someone.

5. Volunteer in Leyte

Help someone else. When you turn your attention to another person, you somehow forget about your yourself for a period of time. Volunteer at the same time enjoy the scenery in Leyte. Help the victims and survivors of ST Haiyan and you'll somehow get a different kind of fulfillment. Making someone happy when you are in your worst is the best feeling you'll ever have. It feels like magic. 

6. Laugh and Cry in Romblon

Romblon, Romblon is an off-beat destination. Only a few people go there for a holiday. Hire a trike and go to Bonbon Beach, it's a secluded place and chances are, you'll be alone when you go there. Laughter heals on many levels and so does crying. Spend a day in the sandbar then laugh and cry all you want. 

7. Work it out, trek to the peak of Bud Bongao

Working out your grief literally by trekking, swimming, diving, running will somehow give you an immediate relief. Bud Bongao in Bongao, Tawi-tawi is a great place to trek. Once you're at the top you'll probably forget about the heartache and get distracted of an amazing view of Tawi-Tawi from above the mountain.

8. Do a food trip in Iloilo and Bacolod

Sometimes all you need is food to somehow mend a broken heart. Certain foods seem to help you get through your suffering and feel better about your break up faster. Iloilo and Bacolod offer sumptuous and delectable cuisines that you will surely love. From savory dishes to sweet desserts, these cities are on top of the list to enjoy a food trip.

9. Party in Boracay

Get wild and wet in Boracay, a popular beach and party destination in the Philippines. Get to know other people, socialize and win a new friend. Forget about your ex and just enjoy!

10. Find Hope in Sagada

Forgive, try to forget and move on. Forgiveness requires hope that someone better is coming, that the feeling of emptiness will eventually go away, that one day you'll fall in love again. The laid-back town of Sagada is your perfect place to find hope. 

When you visit these places, remember to love again. Deeply, just as intensely as you did before. There is no guarantee that the next chapter is better than the previous one but don't be afraid of falling in love again. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Park Inn by Radisson Davao

Looking for a place to celebrate this year's Thanksgiving Day on November 27? Look no more, RBG Bar & Grill at Park Inn by Radisson Davao offers a sumptuous set meals that will surely satisfy your gastronomic cravings for traditional American dishes, including turkey and decadent desserts.

Turkey with Orange Spiked Cranberry Sauce

As what Mr. Pavan Kumar, Park Inn's General Manager said "It's a Thanksgiving dinner fit for royalty, for which we've modified the usual buffet setup into generous set meals to give discerning palates an option to order what's suited to their taste and cravings. Priced at only P750.00 net per person, you get to choose from our selections from starter to dessert, plus two glasses of wine."

Guests can enjoy a variety of choices for their Thanksgiving dinner. RBG's kitchen team is led by Chef Kristina "Teng" Collantes, who puts a new spin to old favorites.

For starters, diners will get a sliced butter French bread which they can pair with any of the following: Creamed Spinach with Bacon, Chiffonade of Spinach with Cream Cheese and Thick Cream topped with Melted Cheese and Bacon or Baked Camembert Cheese drizzled with Olive Oil. 

Slices of French Bread, Baked Camembert Cheese and Creamed Spinach with Bacon

Soup follows and diners can either have the Roasted Butternut Squash sprinkled with Cinnamon Powder or  Cream of Broccoli w/ Parmesan Chips.

Roasted Butternut Squash sprinkled wit Cinnamon Powder

As for main course, guests can choose from a number of options including French Beans, Corn Kernels & Carrot Allumette, Turkey with Orange Spiked Cranberry Sauce, Smokey Grilled Turkey served with Cranberry Sauce with a twist of Orange Liqueur, and Oven-roasted Pork Loin w/ Mango-Cilantro Salsa. You can then match your choice of main course to a perfect starch like Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes or Steamed Rice.

Oven-roasted Pork Loin w/ Mango-Cilantro Salsa and Scalloped Potatoes

Finally, for dessert, guests can choose between Chocolate Meringue Pie or the classic Pumpkin Pie topped with rich Whipped Cream and dusted with either Cocoa or Cinnamon.

Pumpkin Pie topped with rich Whipped Cream

Park Inn's Thanksgiving offering is very affordable. You may book your table now and call +63 82 272 7600 or email them at reservations.davao@parkinn.com. You may also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates and promo @parkinndavao.