Tagaytay, a fast-growing city in the mountains of Cavite Province some 55 kilometers south of Manila, is quickly emerging as another popular summer destination of the Philippines. As Baguio City is becoming too crowded with development, industries, and pollution, and Sagada is a bit too far off for short term visits, Tagaytay retains the cool air, sparse environment, and majestic landscapes that makes it the new getaway destination all-year round. And with the added advantage of being relatively close to Metropolitan Manila and especially the central business district of Makati, Tagaytay is already the favorite place for executives to escape the stresses of office life, a spot where the busy executive could sip a cup of steaming coffee and get lost in the majestic spectacle of Taal Volcano. Organizations, clubs, and work teams also do seminars, retreats, and team-building sessions in the various resorts, hotels, and convention centers in the city.

Tagaytay centers around Taal Lake, a body of water that surrounds Taal Volcano, arguably the world’s smallest active volcano. Indeed, this is the place to find the world’s largest island-in-a -lake inside an island inside a lake in the world (got that?) The still-active Taal Volcano and the beautiful lake around it makes the area a fertile ground for both fish stock and agricultural products, not to mention a picturesque spot to have a picnic. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and lodgings have sprung up around the volcano, giving diners a spectacular view while indulging in their favorite food or beverage. Fresh seafood direct from the lake is served in several establishments, completing the wonderful experience. If you want to have a picnic, Tagaytay Picnic Grove offers free gazebos alongside a hill which creates an unobstructed view for each level. Another place to admire the view is Palace in the Sky, a site which was originally designed to be the presidential guest house of former President Ferdinand Marcos. This complex is now called People’s Park, a publicly-accessible area which provides an unobstructed 360-degree vantage point of Taal Volcano. The gate of People’s Park itself has a vista of the expanse, with cool mountain breeze flowing from different directions.

If you wish to reach Taal Lake, a long, winding path down a hill will take you to the edge of the waters. Several fishing companies can be seen hauling the day’s catch into containers and shipping them up the same path in small cargo trucks. There are also tour boat operators who advertise their services along the road. These boats will spend an hour or so guiding visitors near the volcano.

Another must-visit place in Tagaytay is Sonya’s Garden. Once an informal vegetarian eatery operated by a charismatic lady, the Garden has grown into a beautiful complex of reception halls, restaurant, bakery, bed and breakfast, and a park. The place is lovingly decorated with greenery, and has become a popular venue for wedding receptions and other events. The menu in Sonya’s Garden specializes in vegetables and pasta, and you can bring home native delicacies from the bakeshop. The Flower Farm in Barangay Guinhawa, on the other hand, keeps flowers abloom all-year round, with a 5-hectare land growing roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and other varieties of flowers.

Finally, Tagaytay’s serene environment, away from the materialistic trappings of Manila, very much encourages spiritual contemplation, and many religious retreats occur in the convents and spiritual centers in the area. The Pink Sisters, a group of contemplative nuns, have made their headquarters in Tagaytay, and they are willing to pray for your petitions. They also sell several well-known delicacies like ube (purple yam jam) and sampaloc (tamarind candy) to finance their activities. Another religious site is St. Anne’s Shrine in Barangay Sungay, a small garden grotto of the Virgin Mary with a compact grass clearing provided for quiet reflection among devotees.

A great time to visit Tagaytay is during the dry season, from November to June. It gets cold in the morning, especially early in the year, so it’s wise to pack jackets and warm clothing. The best way to explore Tagaytay City is by car. Start early from Makati to avoid the traffic, travel straight through South Luzon Expressway and exit at Sta. Rosa, and then follow the signs all the way to the city proper. There are also buses and commuter vans that travel straight to Tagaytay, as well as tricycles which take you to different places of interest within the city itself. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of very affordable pineapples and other fruits from Tagaytay Public Market, where they grow them along the many hillsides in the area.

Posted in Philippines, Things to do

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