Spotted: Danni Virata

Following in the footsteps of my parents who met through the equestrian sport, I’m a horseback riding instructor who teaches at the Manila Polo Club on weekdays. I sometimes teach in our ranch in Silang, Cavite on the weekends where I also offer horsemanship and equine-assisted learning classes.

Best place to eat:

Elaia by Cyma — A Greek restaurant by Chef Robbie Goco. It promotes healthy living through introducing fresh ingredients that are known for well-being and longevity.

Best place to hang out:

Rancho Leonor — A 10-hectare family-owned property passed down from one generation to another. Located on Km. 47 Aguinaldo Highway, it is nestled in a pocket of lush greenery.

In 1901, our great, great grandfather founded it as a coconut plantation. In the 1980s, my parents named their ranch after his daughter Leonor and turned it into a haven for horses and some other animals. It was during the pandemic that we opened it for those wanting to escape the city confines, so in 2020, it officially became a riding school.

Best place to stay:

G House Alfonso

For big groups that would like to rent an Airbnb for a fun weekend. The private villa has its own pool, hot tub and recreational pool house with a karaoke system, ideal for good times with family or friends.

Best place to shop:

Corner Stone Pottery

They are our neighbors since they are only located five minutes away from Rancho Leonor by car. If you admire handmade art and are looking for unique things to buy, it is worth going through their collections, which they call Fusion Ware. They described it as such because you can mix and match pieces and curate them for your home. I bought these little dishes, which you can use for sauces and salts, etc., which was appreciated when I gifted them.

Best travel advice:

On a traffic-free day, it can take a little over an hour from Makati via CALAX. It’s highway to highway, so it can be a nice drive. Saturdays can sometimes be busy on the road, but check out Waze or Google Maps before you leave. You’ll also find Rancho Leonor on it or you can type “DXD Equestrian.”