Tagaytay City

The Over Look Inn - Tagaytay City

2011-10-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

The Over Look Inn is located just a few meters from Tagaytay Rotonda and very near Olivarez Plaza and other Tagaytay landmarks. This hotel/bed and breakfast opened last March 2008 is has a nice garden and a very lovely view of the Taal Lake and volcano.The Over Look Inn - Tagaytay is just a 50-kilometer drive south of Manila.

Information:
Aguinaldo Hi-way, Rotonda, tagaytay City 4120 Philippines
Telephone No. +63.920.508.0777
Manila Telephone No. +632. 703-7056
Email | theoverlookinn@gmail.com

Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City

2011-01-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

One of the most luxurious place you can stay to when in Tagaytay is the Discovery Country Suites. It is situated on a ridge and has a very good view of the Taal Lake and volcano. It has several cozy and relaxing suites that your family will definitely enjoy and remember staying long after your vacation. Discovery Country Suites also boasts of its prestigious Restaurant Verbana which is one of Asia's finest restaurants. Discovery Country Suites also offers luxury spa services that will rejuvenate tired bodies and take away stress.

The Suites

images: DCS

Cafe Breton at Cliffhouse Tagaytay

2010-12-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

One of the favorite places our family love to go to in Tagaytay City when we want desserts and sweets and just some light meal is Cafe Breton in Cliffhouse Tagaytay. Their crepes are so yummy, big servings, with a variety of different flavors and you can also choose which fillings, toppings, and flavors to put in your own crepe. But its not only the crepes that are sumptuous in Cafe Breton, their burger which is quite big is also really delicious and even their chicken sandwich which I think they call Chicken Run. I'm pretty sure most if not all of what's in their menu tastes yummy. Haven't tried their coffee yet but I heard their cafe mocha rocks...The place is also very cozy which of course is a good thing, and they have potteries and paintings upstairs too. It is located inside the Cliffhouse Tagaytay which also has a very good view of Taal Volcano and its surroundings is very nice with a garden and little nooks here and there and there are also quite a lot of food establishments inside aside from Cafe Breton.

Fiesta Bazaar in Robinson's Tagaytay

2010-10-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

There is a currently on-going Fiesta Bazaar right now on the second floor of Robinson's Tagaytay City Branch. The bazaar consists of several stores very much like the Tiangge that sells Filipino-made products and even souvenir items from Tagaytay City at a very low cost. They offer diverse items and caters to almost everyone. Whether you are buying something for yourself or buying gifts for your loved ones for the holiday season, you are sure to find something at this Fiesta Bazaar. They also have items for the home like curtains, decors, and even furniture. Check out this Fiesta Bazaar in Robinson's Tagaytay the next time you are in the area.

Bag of Beans in Tagaytay City

2010-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Another popular place in Tagaytay City is the Bag of Beans Coffee Shop and Bakery. It is a good place to chill out with your family and friends while partaking at the delectable and sumptuous food they offer. The place has a beautiful garden complete with cabanas which is by the way the only place my son prefers to stay when in Bag of Beans because he especially enjoys lying on the spacious bench while waiting for the food and while we adults enjoy our non-stop chit-chats. Their Coffee Alamid which is Philippine made is a must-taste. They have a lot on their menu from their famous english pies and breads, to soups and pastas, to main course dish, and of course desserts. My fave dessert is the blueberry cheesecake while my son's is their banana split. The place looks small when you go in from the garden but it actually has extensions like the conference hall and restaurant for people who wouldn't want to eat their food in the garden. The bakery which is located above is a good place to buy pasalubong for your loved ones.

Star Voice Academy now in Tagaytay City

2010-02-14T01:16:00.000-08:00

Star Voice Academy a company that offers training for voice and stage performance is now in Tagaytay City. Star Voice Academy was founded May 2005 in Biñan, Laguna by Ms. Maredeth Aquino who is said to have trained such stars as Say Alonzo of Pinoy Big Brother, Paw Diaz of Star Circle Quest, Pocholo Bismonte & Renzo Almario of Sugar Pop GMA-7 and Ms. Charmaine Clarice "Charice" Pempengco.

To celebrate their second year anniversary in Tagaytay, Star Voice Academy held a show and singing competition in SM Dasmariñas to showcase the talent of the Star Voice students. Most of the contestants are Star Voice Academy students who already developed their singing talent and stage presence, even former students who are still too young to join the contest showed their talents on stage.

Zipline and Cable Car Rides: A new craze in Tagaytay City

2009-05-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay City is no longer just a place of rest and relaxation. These days, Tagaytay City is also a place of excitement and thrill. People seeking some adrenaline rush now troop to Tagaytay City to try the city’s newest craze…The Zipline and Cable Car Rides.

Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car is located inside the Picnic Grove and is a thrilling ride experience of soaring up to 300 feet above ground in an approximately 60km/hr speed on a zipline course of 250 meters long with the scenic Taal Lake and Volcano as your backdrop. It is a chance to experience how it is to fly and live out your childhood fantasies of being Superman even for just about 20-30 seconds. And you can also opt to have your pictures taken while enjoying the ride for a minimal fee. Rides are open from 9am to 6pm everyday.

Bazaar on the Ridge in Tagaytay City

2009-03-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Bazaar on the Ridge which opened last February 20 and will last till May 22, 2009 is so far the biggest bazaar held in Tagaytay City in the recent years. It is being held beside the TICC (Tagaytay International Convention Complex). We decided to check it out, and found some really interesting finds. The Tahong, Garlic, Carrot, Ampalaya and Malunggay chips are surprisingly yummy, I mean my son wouldn’t touch malunggay and ampalaya dishes but when it comes in the form of chips you can bet he’ll get his hands (and mouth) full, a bit more pricey than your regular junk food but more healthier. Homemakers out there will find the JM Capizerrie Arts and Décor Items really fab and nice. Their items are made of Capiz and would be a good addition to any home space. My son had his arm henna tattoed with some Naruto art at Sketch Pinoy, an art stall in the bazaar that offers portraiting, henna tattoo, face painting, and caricaturing. Bought some fresh cow’s milk from Tagaytay Dairy Products, they also have carabao’s milk, chocolate milk, kesong puti and other dairy products. The tablea de cacao from Tsokolate Alfonso is something you should try too, not only good as a chocolate beverage, it also tastes good when used to make some champorado or chocolate porridge. There’s also some Balls on Water where your children (and adults young at heart too) can spend some time having cool fun. They have these huge plastic balls on water and one has to get inside those plastic balls and do some walking and running if you can in the water inside the ball. For those who love gardening and are into plants, flowers, and herbs, you will enjoy looking and even bringing home some plants from De Ocampo’s Farm, their stall is located near the Balls on Water. Aside from the ones I mentioned, there are other items that might interest you, Tagaytay City visitors and residents, for there are really lots of bazaar stalls out there selling useful, functional, and cool items from your usual bazaar finds to the rare and exotic. And it is a good venue for an open air bazaar since Tagaytay City’s cool climate makes you want to walk and get some needed exercise while enjoying yourself shopping.

Ocean Fresh, Tahong Chips and more

Contact: (046) 434-1824/0918-6199689, bingsdelight@yahoo.com

JM Capizerrie Arts and Décor

Jmcapizerrie_phil@yahoo.com

Sketch Pinoy

Contact: 0920-5260593

Niña’s Garden – De Ocampo’s Farm

Contact: 0919-3912025

Tagaytay Dairy Products

Products from some of the other stalls:

Ukay-Ukay in Tagaytay City

2009-02-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Ukay-ukay is bargain shopping a kind of hunting really …usually for dresses and accessories that is. And the ukay-ukay craze is also in Tagaytay City. It is one of the favored activities of visitors in this city. The thrill of finding a cool item for a meager sum gives excitement for most Filipinos especially women, fashionistas or not. The Olivarez Plaza is the usual ukay-ukay hub in Tagaytay, there are a lot of big ukay-ukay shops there and they have lots of items to choose from. From everyday clothes to gowns to baby dresses to sportswear to bags and shoes…and I personally find it surprising that there are actually people who buy underwear from ukay-ukay shops. They also have separate areas for Class A items or designer items. And if they have a separate area for these designer clothes, they also have a space for super bargain things, usually located at the back part of the shop where you can find clothes worth P20.00 and below. So the next time you go to Tagaytay City be sure to drop by at these ukay-ukay shops in Olivarez Plaza…as they say, The thrill is in the Find.

Tables for Rent with a View in Tagaytay City

2008-11-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Tagaytay City is a popular weekend destination in the Philippines. Families and friends troop to this cool and relaxing place to enjoy and have a good time and of course to have the scenic Taal Lake and volcano as the backdrop to their vacation. There are misconceptions though that going to Tagaytay City would be expensive and a big budget is needed for you to enjoy and have some peaceful and relaxing vacation. Not true at all, even if you do not have a big budget allotted for a vacation, you and your companion can enjoy a nice and simple vacation in Tagaytay.

One way to save when you go to Tagaytay is to bring your own food and have a picnic. If you do not want to spend too much for a meal in the restaurants in Tagaytay City just pack up some good old home-cooked meals and head on to Tagaytay and look for places that rent picnic tables. These picnic tables range from Php 100 to Php 400 depending on the place or location. But all of them have a panoramic view of Taal Lake and volcano and you also get to enjoy the cool and breezy climate of Tagaytay City. After your picnic you can go sight-see the famous landmarks in Tagaytay without having to spend too much for food. And a picnic for me with my family and friends is much more fun than eating out in any restaurant.

Below are some of the places where you can find Tables for Rent and have a picnic in Tagaytay. Some of them also have ready foods that you buy and add to your packed meals. Notice that they have a very panoramic view of the famous Taal Volcano.

Yes, they have some tables for rent in this restaurant.

Raja: an authentic Korean Restaurant in the heart of Tagaytay City

2008-09-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

In the heart of Tagaytay City is a Korean Restaurant that serves authentic Korean Dishes. Raja Authentic Korean Restaurant is situated in Magallanes Square, Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. The place is owned and managed by Koreans and the sumptuous dishes are prepared by a real Korean Chef. The place is frequented by Koreans and Filipinos alike. The curiousity of Filipinos on Korean Foods which eventually turned to love and liking it started from a Korean Teleserye ‘Jewel in the Palace’, it is about the skills of a beautiful Korean cook that prepares the food of the Korean King and it features the beauty of preparation and presentation, sumptuous taste, and nutritional value of Korean Foods. The ambiance of Raja is that of a cozy and homey restaurant with Korean and Asian accents and decors. They have bamboo ceilings, pendant lamps with warm lights, and ample use of wood and bamboo in the interiors of the place. They have regular western tables and low tables where you would have to sit on the floor, with cushions of course, is available if you would want to try and feel how Koreans dine. The place also have Function Rooms, Karaoke Rooms, and a Korean Grocery. According to one of their staff, their best-sellers are Galbi Chim, Bibimbap, Samgyupsal, and Chadol. Most Korean dishes are spicy and with a bit of sweetness, so for those of you who are not into too much spice you have to tell them beforehand of your preference. They offer quite a lot of appetizers including their famous ‘Kimchi’. We tried their Galbi Chim, Jap Che, and a Mackerel fish dish and several of their appetizers. Raja really serves reasonably priced authentic Korean foods that would also suit the Filipino palate. For weekend travelers and visitors of Tagaytay City who would want a taste of Korea while in this cool city, head on to Raja Authentic Korean Restaurant.

The Restaurant

The Food

Appetizers

Kimchi

Jap Che
Galbi Chim
O Jing Eo Bokum
Chado Bak E
Seng Galbi
Mackerel Fish

The Function Rooms

The Grocery

Toby and Tony’s Fantastic Sausages in Tagaytay City

2008-09-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay City is fast becoming a place for weekend travelers. Especially for families who would want to unwind from their hectic workweek schedule. And if you are traveling with kids, it is most likely that they would crave for kids’ meals usually consisting of hotdogs, sausages, and burgers. During our last trip to Tagaytay City we found a new place where you and your kids can grab some of the best sausages and burgers in the area at a very decent price. Just along the highway of Tagaytay City right after the Casino Filipino Tagaytay is Toby and Tony’s Fantastic Sausages. This place is not only for kids but teenagers and young adults are also the usual customers. They also have tapsilog, longsilog, tosilog and hotsilog for people who would opt to have rice than bread. And their salads are really very good especially the Swedish West Coast Salad. My son had a great time munching his ‘Winerli’, a sausage and bread for kids. I got to try their bestseller ‘BAMSE Surf and Turf’ and it was really good. They have an outside place with a very laidback ambience so you won’t feel like you are at a break from your vacation when you are eating your sausages. So the next time you crave sausages when you are in Tagaytay, do drop by Toby and Tony’s Fantastic! Sausages.

We were there in the morning. They say that it is usually in the afternoons and evenings that the place is filled with customers. But there are many take-out customers too who prefer to bring their food in the parks and other places of recreation in Tagaytay even in the mornings.

It is just right there in the highway.

Obviously enjoying his Winerli

BAMSE Surf and Turf

Winerli

They have an open kitchen. You can order and can even see how your meal is being prepared.

The cool laidback ambience of the place is a plus factor. You can feel the cool breeze of Tagaytay air as you are enjoying your meal.

They are kind enough to give me permission to show their pricelist. See its not expensive. But of course it is subject to change.

click image to enlarge

The Streets of Tagaytay City

2008-08-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay City is a popular destination because of its cool weather and its scenic views of the Taal Volcano. There are also a lot of parks and interesting places to visit and see when you are in Tagaytay like The Picnic Grove, Paradizoo, The Residence Inn, Palace in the Sky, and Casino Filipino among others. But if you happen to be in Tagaytay City during a cool breezy day it is also a very good activity to do some walking and take a leisurely stroll along the streets of Tagaytay. This is a very safe activity and an enjoyable one. Local cops are very visible in the area to keep the orderliness and safety of the place and to assist visitors and tourists on their traveling activities. You will have a good time taking a stroll in the main roads of this small but very beautiful city. It is an ordinary sight to see people riding their horses in the streets of Tagaytay, whether they are locals carrying their wares and produce or tourists riding horses to sightsee. Along the streets you can see many stalls selling vegetables, fruits, and other produce freshly picked from their farms. There are also many “pasalubong” (souvenir and delicacies) stalls where you can pick up something to give to your friends when you get back to Manila or wherever is your place of origin. I personally love going to the pottery and vases stores that are now sprouting in Tagaytay City, they have very colorful and beautifully designed vases of all shapes and sizes that you can proudly place in your home. It is also a delight to see the lovely plants and flowers being sold at very reasonable prices in the small garden stalls. These stalls are many and are usually grouped together in one place making it very easy for buyers to pick what they want and the place looks stunning with a lot of flowering plants adorning the place. There are also many friendly vendors in Tagaytay City that carry their products in baskets and “bilao” (round winnowing basket carried on top of the head) and do not be afraid if they approach you to show you their products. And of course, aside from the health benefits you get from taking a leisurely walk in Tagaytay you can also enjoy the panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and Lake which is quite visible in most part of the main roads of Tagaytay City.

These colorful vases with beautiful designs would be a good addition to your home.
I just love looking at them.

A variety of plants and flowering plants to choose from

Fruit Stalls

The smiling street vendors of Tagaytay

Horses on the streets of Tagaytay

Fresh vegetables and other produce freshly picked from the farm.
Honey, pure vinegar, and bagoong are being sold too.

Casino Filipino in Tagaytay City

2008-08-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular casinos in the Philippines is located in Tagaytay City. It is situated in front of Taal Vista Hotel and just beside McDonald’s. People from different places try their luck in this place when they are in Tagaytay City, still others would specifically head to Tagaytay City to play in this place. Aside from the many casino games offered in Casino Filipino Tagaytay like baccarat, super six, poker, roulette, and slot machine among other games this place also offers its guests a lot of entertainment and places of fine dining. Casino Filipino-Tagaytay also holds special events like concerts of local and foreign artists and charities. One will not miss the impressive Casino-Filipino in Tagaytay as its structure has a very large colorful crown that travelers can easily see when on they are traveling on the roads of Tagaytay. In front of the main lobby there is a beautifully landscaped small garden with a charming wishing well. People would love to throw a few coins with their wishes on this well for good luck before trying out their luck inside the casino. Still others would just like to have their picture taken in this beautiful place.

It was quite a cloudy day when we had our trip. But the weather was as usual cool which made Tagaytay popular among tourists. This is the view of the Casino Filipino from the roads leading to it. Easy to spot because of its impressive structure.

Streamers of their upcoming events. A Gabby Concepcion concert? Can he really sing now? Well, just to see him again would be a many woman's dream... until now, I guess. And the other one features Francine Prieto, that would definitely be a one hot event.

View from the front gate of Casino-Filipino Tagaytay, you can see customers coming in. I guess I'm wrong when I thought casino players and guests only come in during night time.

And this is the charming Pagcor wishing well I'm babbling about. Better throw a coin and make a wish before trying your luck. Wishes do come true you know.

From the background you can see one of the few buildings being constructed in Tagaytay, proof that this beautiful little place is attracting many investors in the area.

It would have been nice if I had a photo taken riding that horse-drawn carriage.

Got a hold of Casino-Filipino Tagaytay's events for this month, in case, you'd be in the area and interested to have some good time.

RSM Lutong Bahay Restaurant in Tagaytay City

2008-06-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

RSM Lutong Bahay Restaurant is located in the heart of Tagaytay City. It specializes in “Lutong Bahay” or Home Cooked Filipino Dishes. The restaurant has a very spacious and luscious garden at the back which offers a magnificent view of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. The romantic garden of RSM Restaurant is also a perfect place for weddings, baptismal, family reunion, and other special occasions. The restaurant offers several activities for their customers like a Videoke Bar every Mondays, Ballroom Dancing on Wednesdays, and an Acoustic Band on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a local band that goes around tables to render you a song, customers may request their favorite songs and you might just be surprised because the band is familiar even with the new and modern songs and gives it a twist and sings it in their own style. Of course, the main attraction of RSM Lutong Bahay Restaurant is their sumptuous home-cooked Filipino dishes and such as sisig, bulalo, crispy pata and adobo among others. RSM Restaurant was given the Most Outstanding Home-Cooked Restaurant by the Philippine Quality Award for Business Excellence.

Tagaytay City Taekwondo Championship

2008-05-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Daehan Tagaytay City Taekwondo Club will hold the Tagaytay City Taekwondo Championship on May 18, 2008. All Taekwondo jins are welcome to join. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and combat sport and is considered as the world’s most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners. Taekwondo is now an official Olympic sporting event. Below are the details of the event.

Date: May 18, 2008

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

Place: Tolentino Sports and Activity Center near Tagaytay City Science High School.

Registration: P 250.00 plus two(2) can goods

The photos below were taken from the DAEHAN Tagaytay/Amadeo Taekwondo Exhibition Activity held in SM Dasmariñas. Mr. John Paul “Japoy” G. Lizardo, one of the most popular Taekwondo athlete in the Philippines, graced the event.

The Mahogany Market in Tagaytay City

2008-04-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

The Mahogany Market in Tagaytay City is a famous stopover or a place for break in the journey of travelers going to Tagaytay. This is where friends and family or groups meet before exploring the city or before going back to Manila or their place of origin. The Mahogany market in Tagaytay is famous for its homegrown/local beef that is sold at a very reasonable price. They still make use of the old fashioned big tree trunks as chopping boards. Most visitors of this cool city would like to take home some beef for their family and loved ones. The Mahogany market is also known for the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables being sold in there. There are also vendors peddling other Filipino delicacies and souvenir stuff to bring back home around the market. There are also herbs, bonsai plants, flowering plants, and even fruit trees being sold here. There are also food stalls that cater to hungry and adventurous visitors who would like to try some famous exotic and sumptuous local dishes, like the most favored Beef Bulalo or Bone Marrow Soup, Soup No.5 or soup from bull’s testicles and/or penis, the fried tawilis which is small but delicious fresh water fish, Lugaw or congee with beef tripe and sometimes beef intestines. It will not be a problem for people who would just like to stick to ordinary Filipino dishes because the food stalls in Mahogany Market also have regular dishes that do not include any inside part of a cow except its meat. The next time you go to Tagaytay City do not forget to pass by Mahogany Market for your fresh fruit, plant, and beef ‘pasalubong’ or souvenir and try at least one of their exotic foods.

photos: Southbound

photos: Do or not Do (there are still many pics of Mahogany Market from this site)

Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay City

2008-04-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Palace in the Sky is situated in one of the highest places in Tagaytay. From the Palace in the sky, you can see the majestic view of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Palace in the Sky was supposedly a presidential guest house during the time of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. But now it is open for the public. The place is now like a park and a viewpoint where visitors can see the Taal Lake and Laguna de Bay. The place has also a well-maintained Japanese garden. Visitors are likely to go here because of the historical value of the place and to enjoy the cool temperature, it is also common to see people taking a stroll or trekking in Palace in the Sky since the road is a little steep going up. Palace in the Sky is definitely among the popular places that visitors of Tagaytay City check out.

The Mushroom Burger in Tagaytay City

2008-03-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

The Mushroom Burger in Tagaytay City is almost as famous as the city itself. Almost every visitor of this cool city drops by the Mushroom Burger and takes a bite of its sumptuous yet healthy burgers made out of mushrooms. Mushroom Burger’s burger is a welcome variation in taste and ingredient from the more popular burgers we are used to eating. The burger has a homemade feel and taste and the ambience of the place is relaxed, no-fancy trappings but just a simple place of good inexpensive food and good times. They also offer other favorite Filipino merienda foods and even rice bowls. There is also a wishing well outside the Mushroom Burger eating area that visitors are fond of, they throw coins and make a wish on this old whimsical wishing well. Since people who generally troop to Tagaytay City are with family and friends having a good time, a visit to this joint and a taste of its burger becomes a part of the good times and good memories.

Paradizoo – A theme farm in Tagaytay City

2008-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Paradizoo theme farm is located in Mendez Cavite a town just a few minutes away from Tagaytay City. Most people who visit Tagaytay would include Paradizoo in their itinerary especially those coming from Manila City because these people would love to experience and see farm life even for just a few hours. Paradizoo has a lush Flower Garden with different varieties of the most popular and beautiful flowers you can find in the Philippines. The flower garden will please anybody’s eyes even those who are not flower enthusiasts. The cool climate and beautiful weather of Tagaytay makes it easier to take care of these beautiful flowering plants like the Doña Aurora, Doña Luz, Scarlet Beauty, Hibiscus, Purple Crumble, among others. Paradizoo also has a Vegetable Farm filled with organically grown vegetables which guests and visitors can buy and bring home. Paradizoo also has a Perpetual Park a pet cemetery for your pets and animals. Losing a pet that we love can be a very depressing experience but having a place for them after where we can visit them is a good way to ease a little of our gloom from their passing. Paradizoo also offers a zoo for a wide variety of Farm Animals and like the vegetables and plants in their garden the visitors and guests can also buy farm animals in this theme farm. This place also offers accommodations for people who want to stay overnight or even days in this garden/farm/zoo place. This is a good place to bring your kids to stroll and have your family picnics. Children will definitely enjoy a visit in this farm themed zoo and will definitely create in them a love for nature and the farm life. Paradizoo is a good place to experience farm life and at the same time have a great time with your family and friends when you are in Tagaytay.

Flower Garden

Vegetable Farm

Perpetual Park

Farm Animals

Accomodations

photo: Paradizoo

The Residence Inn

2008-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

The Residence Inn in Tagaytay is a popular destination among people who visit Tagaytay. It is also a regular stop for field trips among schools in the Philippines. The Residence Inn has a conference hall, restaurant, rooms for rent, playground, and several viewdecks where you can have a panoramic view of the famous Taal Volcano. Aside from these amenities, Residence Inn is most famous for its mini zoo, the zoo has Serpentarium, Aviary, Honey Bee Farm, and offers a wide range of other animals for you and your family to see. They allow feeding for certain animals and you can have your picture taken with some of the animals. Kids really find it special if they can have their pictures taken with the yellow python and the tigers. Some would like to have a ride and photos with the pony. Residence Inn also offers a magic show to its visitors every weekends, it is one of the longest running magic shows in the country. There are also food stalls and kiosks inside the Residence Inn and some souvenir shops wherein you can buy items made in Tagaytay and from nearby places to bring back home. The Residence Inn in Tagaytay is one of the must see places the next time you visit Tagaytay City.

The Calaruega Church in Tagaytay City

2008-01-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

The Calaruega Church in Tagaytay City is a very popular place for wedding ceremonies. Although Calaruega Church is actually located near the Nasugbu, Batangas area, people often refer this place to Tagaytay City, and it is always included in the list of places to go of tourists visiting Tagaytay. The peacefulness and tranquil surroundings of Calaruega Church makes it a popular tourist spot in this city. With the many flowering plants in the garden, the cool and inviting mountain breeze, a very panoramic view as backdrop to this place, many lovers visit this place and vows to come back to Calaruega Church for their wedding. Weddings held in this place are usually the intimate kind, where only close friends and relatives are present during the ceremony because the church itself is not that big. And the reception is usually held in one of the finest restaurants or famous eating places in Tagaytay City. This romantic place was once the setting for one of my college friend’s proposal, the wedding did not materialize but this place still holds precious memories for both of them. Maybe there is something magical in this wonderfully serene place that makes lovers make promises that they would love keep for the rest of their lives. There is a very nice prominent statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus in the middle of a hill and from there you can see a very scenic view of the surrounding places below. The next time you consider to have a wedding proposal or when you are looking for a church for your intimate wedding, try to visit the Calaruega Church in Tagaytay City. Or just visit Calaruega Church the next time you and your family and friends troop to Tagaytay City.

The Picnic Grove in Tagaytay City

2008-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tagaytay City offers many leisure activities to its visitors. Tagaytay City is known to be a place for sightseeing, picnics, dining, horse back riding, boat ride, and golfing among other things. Tagaytay is just 55 kilometers from Manila and unlike the weather from Manila, it is blessed with a cool climate which makes it a popular destination not only among foreigners but also among Filipinos.

Sightseeing and having picnics are the most popular activities to do when in Tagaytay. People troop to Tagaytay usually on weekends to take a break from their workloads. Many go to the Tagaytay Picnic Grove with their family and friends to get together and have a picnic, and enjoy the picturesque and marvelous view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. This activity is not too costly and very affordable, entrance fee is just Php25 and cottages range from Php100 – 250 depending on the size of the cottage. Visitors can bring their own food and just rent a cottage or picnic table inside. A barbeque place is also provided near the cottages for people who would want to grill their foods. A restaurant and other food stands are available inside the premises for people who would not want to bring their own food. The Tagaytay Picnic Grove is also a popular destination among lovers because of the scenic view of the Taal Volcano and the coastal towns of Batangas and of course the fresh mountain breeze.

Aside from sightseeing and picnics, the Tagaytay Picnic Grove also offers very affordable horse back riding activities both for kids and adults. There are available personnel to assist kids and adults who are not skillful in horse back riding. There are many horses available for this activity that will fit every guests’ need, skill and even body built.

An eco-adventure trail is also available for nature lovers inside the premises of Tagaytay Picnic Grove. The Philippine Tourism has developed part of the complex to promote ecological conservation and environmental preservation. This 404-meter Eco-Adventure trail provides a very good view of the Taal Volcano, numerous plants and butterflies, and at the end is a view deck. What my seven-year old son loves on this trail was the hanging bridge that you have to cross midway of the trail.

So next time you visit Tagaytay City, put the Tagaytay Picnic Grove on top of your places-to-go list.

photos: Phil. Tourism

Tagaytay City

2008-01-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Tagaytay City is one of the most popular travel and vacation destinations in the Philippines. Tagaytay City boasts of being a favorite place to visit not only by tourists but also by Filipinos themselves. Tagaytay is just 55 kilometers away from Manila, and its main attraction is the view of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, an active volcano located in Batangas. Another reason why people troop to this city is because of its cool climate, people coming from Manila especially wants to relax and have some rest in a quiet and peaceful place like Tagaytay where they can also enjoy fresh and cool air.

Tagaytay gained its popularity among tourists little by little after the 1990 earthquake that hit the Philippines where Baguio City, the premiere tourist destination because of its cool weather, was one of the hardest hit. Several buildings and establishments like hotels were badly damaged. People started looking for another place to go to while Baguio City was rebuilding. And since Tagaytay offers almost the same weather and coolness of Baguio City, more and more people started trooping to Tagaytay City. Many investors also became interested to put up establishments like hotels, zoos, horseback-riding trails, parks, and restaurants which further added to the development of this beautiful city. Tagaytay’s proximity to Manila compared to Baguio also helped to boost its tourism. While Baguio City is 250 kilometers from Manila, Tagaytay is just 55 kilometers from Manila and people can even go to Tagaytay in the morning and return back home in the evening.

People go to Tagaytay primarily to rest, relax, and enjoy, they usually go to Tagaytay on weekends to take a break from their daily work schedules. These days Tagaytay City offers many places of leisure and enjoyment. Restaurants of every kind are mushrooming in Tagaytay, the wellness and spa industry is experiencing a boom, and the hotels are also at an all-time high occupany rate. With the many developments going-on right now in this picturesque place, Tagaytay City is sure to boost its tourism and rise as one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines and in Asia.