Antonio's in Tagaytay

If the summer heat is making you insane, a quick drive to Tagaytay should reboot your mental state. Even as the summer gets hotter and hotter, it is still cool and breezy up there, and with the new expanded Skyway, it is just an hour away from Makati.

And head to Breakfast at Antonio's. It is the more laid back and casual sister of fine dining resto Antonio's, and you don't need a reservation. The menu does have brunch classics such as eggs Benedict, waffles and steak and eggs, but there is also pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. The vibe is colonial goes contemporary, with such iconic Filipino touches as Machuca tiles, carved doorways and dark shutters, but brightened up with wired sculptural dining chairs, white walls and whimsical paintings. Then stroll about the gardens, and even go to the main Antonio's which I can best describe as an ancestral home crossed with a treehouse. Every corner looks out towards the garden, a lush explosion of bright, exuberant color. You will be immediately planning your return to Tagaytay.

Hey soul sisters. With Angel and Ana Katigbak Lim.

The entrance to Antonio's.

We are family. Chef Tonyboy Escalante's family photos fill the foyer.

Glam garden. Wouldn't it be just like a period merchant ivory film to sit in this garden with a chandelier overhead?

Mirrored panels evoke an old world ballroom, like the one in Sound of Music.

In the main Antonio's, the chairs match the still life painting.

Didn't realize I blended so well with the decor.

Black, white and red all over. The wooden armoire holds the linens, and the padded wall treatment acts as sound absorption.

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? These are delicious! And big enough to be shared.

The paintings lighten up the stark black and white scheme.

Dalandan smoothie drinking contest!

Waffle time. You even have a choice of fruit flavored butters. That was blueberry.

The front deck for the sun worshipers.