Tagaytay Weekend

Tagaytay is one of the favorite out-of-town destinations of families and barkadas. It is located in Batangas and it's a 2 to 3 hour drive outside of Metro Manila. Tagaytay is also known as the 2nd Summer Capital of the Philippines with its cool climate similar to Baguio. 

Through the years, the area has developed to cater the demands of tourists from the metro. Tagaytay now offers a lot of hotels and restaurants that you can choose from. You may also opt to build your own house in different residential property developments near Tagaytay's breath taking view of Taal Lake.

It's been a year since I last visited Tagaytay and I was surprised to see a lot of new restaurants and hotels around the area. But before I go to that part, let me give you a tour of what you can see in Tagaytay. 

Our first stop, People's Park in the Sky. I'm not much of a history fan but last time I know, this place was supposed to be an old rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos converted to a park. Hence also having the name Palace in the Sky. I believe this is the highest peak in Tagaytay and you have a 360 degree panoramic view of the land area around it. Aside from the majestic view of Taal, you will also be able to see the surrounding terrain of Tagaytay.

For the longest time that I've been visiting Palace in the Sky, there is no new attraction that I can think of. As you park your vehicle, you have an option to walk the rest of the way up to the park, or you can ride a jeep for a minimum amount of five pesos (P5). In the park, you can see a mini amphi theater overlooking Taal. There is also a 3 floored structure that houses souvenir shops and other services like a cafeteria and for henna tattoos. 

As we reached the top, I was surprised and happy to finally see a new feature that you can experience here. If Mine's View in Baguio has St. Bernards, Palace in the Sky has their own unique animal... SNAKES! The owner offers different kinds of sawa (python). Feel free to pet, carry, or wrap them around your neck and take pictures with them. Of course, there is a fee. For one hundred pesos (P100), you can have 5 photo shots with the pythons. It can be a solo pic or a group pic. 

This experience is really unforgettable. All of my friends, myself included, has touched a snake for the very first time. And if you are planning to carry the biggest one alone, be prepared for it is really heavy. Best to have a group of friends to help you carry the load. If you want a solo pic, get the albino burmese python  and it's much lighter than the biggest burmese python. 

Next stop, Tagaytay Picnic Grove. You can enjoy a great view of Taal Lake here as well as do a lot of things. They also horseback riding and a wide grass-area where you can fly some kites with the kids or with your friends. Tagaytay Picnic Grove also has an extreme side to offer. They have a zip line along a cliff! It's a great experience with perfectly match great view of Taal as well as the greenery below. 

Now, let's go to one of my favorite... FOOD!!! We ate at Josephine Restaurant. They offer breakfast and lunch buffet and you may also order a la carte style. We opted for the later option. The food is awesome! Josephine Restaurant cooks wonderful Filipino dishes and I'm pretty sure one of your favorites is in their menu. Below are the food that we ordered.

Chopsuey

Pork Sisig

Sinigang na Baboy Liempo

Tuna Sisig

Josephine's House Specialty

Josephine's Fried Chicken

Crispy Kare-Kare

Of course, as most people I know say, your trip to Tagaytay is not complete until you have some coffee in Starbucks watching the sunset. For me, it was extra special that day because it is the start of their year-end planner promo and their Signature Christmas Drinks is finally available! If you're a coffee adik, you'll understand why I'm ecstatic about it. I highly recommend their new Christmas Blend Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha. You should try it!

As we finished our day trip, I was reminded that I should be doing more trips like this. Have some time to relax and just get away from the daily routine that you're doing. I'm pretty sure you deserve a one day rest. And most important of all, make the trip memorable by going out with your family and friends. Enjoy the company, have a few good laughs, and talk about anything under the sun. Just sit back, relax and have fun!