June 14, 2025 was the last day to avail of the Estate Tax Amnesty under Republic Act No. 11569. Processing our estate tax payment with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was by far the most difficult transaction I have ever experienced despite completing all the documentary requirements. Ironically, what was supposed to be a straightforward application facilitated by an acquaintance — for a fee — was only accomplished through the assistance of the kind and efficient employees of the Local Government of Uyugan, Batanes in securing the required supporting documents. I personally prepared the Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate during the pandemic, but securing the certified true copy of the tax declaration, certificate of no improvement, tax clearance, and death and birth certificates of the deceased and heirs took much longer. Special thanks are due to the Local Civil Registrar, Municipal Assessor and Bureau of Treasury Head in Uyugan, who accommodated my online requests profess...
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Our recent food trip to Porest View in Davilan, Carmona, Cavite, was something we had been looking forward to for quite some time. We’d always pass by this spot on our way to Tagaytay, and thanks to Facebook Reels and TikTok, our curiosity was piqued. With stunning views of the city, Laguna Lake, and Mt. Makiling, it seemed like the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a view. Nestled along the newly opened Davilan Road—a convenient shortcut from Carmona to Tagaytay—Porest View offers a simple yet inviting karinderya-style setup with an overlooking dining experience.
We arrived around 9 AM, fresh from Sunday mass and with empty stomachs that were eagerly anticipating a hearty breakfast. I suggested we finally give this place a try, hoping for a delicious meal to start our day. Since they had just opened, the staff was still setting up, but we appreciated that they accommodated us despite not being fully ready for service. Unfortunately, their famous SILOG meals weren’t available yet, so we ordered sizzling chicken, sisig, pork chop, four winter melon milk teas, and chicken sotanghon soup.
As expected for an early visit, the food took some time to arrive. The drinks came first, followed by the sisig and pork chop. The chicken and sotanghon were served last. While we weren’t in a rush, the wait did build up our hunger and anticipation. However, when the food arrived, reality didn’t quite match our expectations.
For a total bill of ₱935, we had hoped for decent portions and well-prepared dishes, but the experience left us a little underwhelmed. The chicken and pork chop portions were on the smaller side and seemed to lack marination. The sisig, while sizzling, didn’t quite hit the mark. My son even commented that the pork fat had a slightly sour taste—without calamansi, which was a bit concerning. The chicken sotanghon soup had a somewhat "reheated from yesterday" taste, with the noodles being slightly undercooked. The wintermelon milk tea was a refreshing plus! However, the pearls seemed overcooked or had been sitting too long, making them less than ideal.
We’re not picky eaters and always try to finish our food as a sign of respect for the cook, but this meal was a bit of a challenge. I genuinely hoped that this was just an off day for them because the place itself has so much potential.
This wasn’t the first time we had tried a restaurant based on social media hype, only to be disappointed. It was actually our third time falling into this trap! Some vloggers seem to focus more on aesthetics and promotion rather than giving a truly honest review. While marketing is important, a little constructive feedback would help both diners and business owners. After all, how can a restaurant improve if no one tells them what needs fixing?
Despite the hit-or-miss food experience, Porest View has an undeniably beautiful location. The ambiance is relaxing, and it’s the kind of place you’d love to just sit, sip coffee, and enjoy the scenery. If they could enhance their food quality to match the view—and possibly revisit their pricing—it could become a true go-to spot for travelers and locals alike.
Lesson learned: Sometimes, word-of-mouth recommendations are still the best way to discover great food spots. Social media can be a useful guide, but taking reviews with a grain of salt (or a spoonful of chicken sotanghon) is always a good idea.
Would I visit again? Maybe—for the view. But I’d probably just order a coffee and enjoy the scenery. Here’s hoping Porest View steps up its food game because it has all the ingredients for success—except, perhaps, in the marinade. 😉
#PorestViewFoodTrip #CarmonaEats #ScenicDining #HonestReview #FoodieRealityCheck #SupportLocal #FoodWithAView #TagaytayShortcut #EatWithCaution #FoodieAdventures
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