Unfolding Tagaytay

View from Taal Volcano

If you want a near vacation spot or just a chill out place away from work and stress, Tagaytay is an ideal place to go to. It is approximately 56km from Manila and a steady 2-hour drive. Just take SLEX highway and take Sta. Rosa exit and then turn right after the toll gates.

Tagaytay Night Life at the Ridge

Before going to Tagaytay, you can stop by at Paseo de Roxas. Paseo de Roxas has outlet stores that sell cheaper merchandise in adidas, nike, speedo, dockers / levis and the likes. Dine in cafe breton or try the famous crispy dinuguan in kanin club. Don't forget to bring your windbreakers or your sweaters especially during cold seasons for Tagaytay brings chilly winds and weathers. 

Serenity on top of Taal Volcano

Tagaytay is almost no different from Baguio. Both almost have the same weather, things to do, even places to go and stay in. If you're on a tight budget, you could stay in cheap hotels scattered all around Tagaytay. There is one called Little Falls Inn. Rooms are simple but neat, it has air-condition and cable tv, and have heated showers.  There are hotels nearer to the Tagaytay Ridge where almost all the food chains are located. Try the Rivera hotel across Max's and RSM restaurants. The place looks a little old, but it does make your overnight stay A-OK, complete with big beds, big televisions, and big rooms. I recommend staying in Magallanes Square Hotel, just near the Rivera hotel. A little pricier than the two mentioned, but has the works, it includes free breakfast, LCD televisions, cozy modern rooms and bathrooms. 

Tagaytay - Taal View

After you choose your place to stay in, a rewarding lunch is deserved. You have a dozen of restaurants and carinderia to choose from. Try the fatty, sumptuous hot soup of bulalo in Green Ats located at the end of Tagaytay (the way to Nasugbu). Not only that you'll enjoy the bang for the bucks food here, but also the serene view of the Taal Lake. There are also a number of restaurants along the ridge where it's actually nice to chill, sit back and relax.  You also have options to do some leisurely activities like ride the zipline in picnic grove, horse back riding etc.

Taal Lake

Caleruega Church

Going to Tagaytay for a vacation will not be complete without going up the Taal volcano to see it's beautiful crater and a wonderful view from the top. The way to go to Taal is to drive down have to the Taal lake for half an hour. You need to rent a boat for about Php1,000 for four people to bring you back and forth. Upon arrival in the foot of Taal, you will pay for the toll of going to the crater. Locals will welcome you and offer horseback ride for Php600 / horse but if you have negotiation skills may bring it down to Php300. The journey to the top of the Taal mountain is roughly 5km. You will be needing a face mask because of the dust and stinky horse poops but I'm assuring you a peaceful feel when you get to the top.  If you're into seeing beautiful churches, you could do a visita de iglesia in Caleruega, The church is rustic, brick and stained glass made church. 

Sunset in Tagaytay

There are still much to say or share about Tagaytay. Best is for you to experience the journey. So fasten your seat belt and drive to Tagaytay. Enjoy! 

Summer Capital of the Philippines : Baguio City

For whatever reason, Baguio is called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" maybe because of the sweet, cool, breezy weather or probably the wild palette of summer colors scattered around of greens and floras. All I know, Baguio is a place where you could cool off, relax and get those lost childhood memories back where everything was all about fun.

Baguio Sunset View @ the Manor Hotel

Baguio is located up north in Benguet Province approximately 260km from Manila. You could take NLEX whether from Balintawak exit or Mindanao Ave exit. Go straight to Dau exit and enter SCTEX then take Tarlac exit and follow the signs going to Baguio. You have 2 options going up from Urdaneta, either you take Kenon Road or Marcos Highway. Kenon road is a faster option but expect steep and narrow mountain roads. A Lion's Head is at the end of Kenon road where you could take photos and around 10-15mins you'll be in Baguio city proper. On the other hand, Marcos Highway has wider roads but might give additional 20-30mins in reaching the town proper. In my opinion and thru experience, I recommend taking Marcos Highway for less traffic and a safer trip.

Here are some of my tips on , Where to go,What to do, Where to eat and Where to shop in Baguio.

Baguio Manor Hotel

Baguio offers a lot of places to stay in, to visit and to chill around. You have options to choose places where you could stay that would fit a wide budget range. There are houses for rent or better known as transient houses where costs range from Php1000 and up. If budget permits, hotels are scattered around the town proper, namely Microtel, Igorot lodge, and many more. If you want premium, rustic, homey, and lodge feel place to stay, choose the Manor hotel located in Camp John Hay. Budget for the accommodation alone is around Php5,000 and up, so ready your pockets for an expensive stay.

Baguio Manor Hotel Restaurant

Wright Park

Lotus Flower in Chinese Temple

There are a numerous things to do when you're in Baguio. I would name a few that I know of and have been to. There is the Mansion and wright park where you could take photos as a souvenir and buy the most sought after strawberry taho. Take beautiful photos of floras, and scenic locations in the area.

You could spend an afternoon by boating or biking in Burnham park. And the experience would not be complete without shopping. You can shop your heart out in the famous ukay-ukay shops in the dry and wet market of Baguio central. Whether it would be 2nd hand usable and fashionable clothes or super cheap vegetables  and walis tambo for your home.  

Burnham Park

Walis Tambo in the Palengke

To top it off, make your vacation in Baguio worthwhile by helping the less fortunate by buying sweets in Goodsheperd, just a few steps away from Mines view park. Variety of sweets are offered by Goodsheperd Convent, from ube, strawberry jam to sweet supple crinkles. Not only will you help yourself unwind but also help a lot of less fortunate people. 

Enjoy the pines, the view, the weather and don't forget to HAVE FUN!