Fun Tagaytay

My friend and I decided to leave Makati early for Tagaytay, which is known for its iconic view of Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. We have planned to unwind there, because it is the most accessible weekend getaway in Manila. Much has been written about Tagaytay, and it was an inviting place for working girls like us from the city because of its atmosphere that would shake off the stress in our body. 

The beauty of Taal Volcano captivated my heart.

Upon arriving at Tagaytay, we felt energized by the cool sun kissed breeze. It was a 3 hour, 56 kilometer bus ride from Chino Roces which only costs 180 pesos. The Picnic Grove entrance fee is only 50 pesos per head. Since it was a weekend, the Tagaytay Zipline rate costs P200/head (one-way), and P300/head (for round trip zipline), which comes with a (1) souvenir photo. We took the two-way zipride and enjoyed the height of 300 ft., length of 250 meters with a speed of 60 km per hour. 

All smiles after the zipride. Beating the heat.

After our Zipride, we took a walk along Tagaytay Picnic Grove Eco-Trail overlooking the cottage areas facing the majestic Taal lake and Taal volcano. Surrounded by trees, the Picnic Grove eco-trail will take you into another place that will make you forget that work week is approaching. Finally, we got tired of strolling around under the heat of the sun, so we decided to eat at Koorah-Koorah Restaurant situated inside the Picnic Grove. We ordered Bulalo for P285 (one order), 4 cups of rice, and Lechon Kawali for P95 only. To top it all, we added fresh Buko Juice to quench our thirst. It ain't obvious how hungry we were.

"People who love to eat are the best people." -Julia Child

We left Tagaytay Picnic Grove and headed to Tagaytay Sky Ranch known as the mini-leisure park, where the Sky Eye is located. Entrance fee is P100/head. It is currently the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Philippines at 207 ft., with 32 gondolas beating the MOA Eye (Mall Of Asia). Only 4 persons can be accomodated in the gondola for P150/head, but it will be worth it. The Sky Ranch includes kiosks and rides for children to enjoy and have Sky fun. Riding it will give you a bird's eye view of Taal lake and Taal Volcano.  

The Sky Eye at Sky Ranch.

With my bestbud, Jhandy Granadillos.

Inside Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Fish Spa.

We love the weather. My roomie and I felt like staying but we need to leave for our last stop, their Starbucks branch in Tagaytay. Besides the usual ambiance, the service was also excellent like their pastries and coffee. Starbucks Tagaytay has a modern feel, and their setting is so comfortable for family and friends to enjoy. The place has a big parking space, but the road is a bit steep. Alas! It was a great trip. I suggest you to get an early trip, so you can still visit other places in Tagaytay. 

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.

Trekking the 7 Falls - Mt. Romelo

It was a good day when a friend invited me for a climb at Mt. Romelo Famy-Siniloan, Laguna. I wasn't sure of what to wear, since I grew up in our mountain at Magallanes, Sorsogon City where we love to hike on foot full of mud, and ride Carabaos with "pakapang" (towed sledge). So, I left home with a red JanSport backpack (with extra shirts, big bottle of water, biscuits, candies, leggings), wore a printed shirt, a brown pedal pusher which is not advisable for a climb (haha), and my favorite Lee Cooper shoes that is somehow helpful for the climb (invest for good shoes if you want to climb). Who cares anyway, I know for a fact that I can climb a mountain. 

We were six on our way to Mt. Romelo, and most of them are Pro-Hikers. It was a long hour drive, and it was fun getting to know each other during our trip. Upon arriving, we looked for a place to keep safe our friend's car. Good to know that there was an available parking space so he rewarded the person in-charge to look over his car overnight. It was around 3pm when we arrived at the foot of the mountain, had our names registered which costs 50 pesos per head. On the start of our trek, we crossed a swamp, and I thought of wearing my slippers. The trail was easy. It is good for newbie hikers, in spite its muddy nature when it rains. It took us 3 hours to reach the campsite, where nipa huts are found, a small sari-sari store and a wash and comfort room. 

From left: Noah B., Jhowa B., Jac G. and Gie D.

Off to campsite with Jhowa B., Kris G., Gie D., Noah B., Jac G.

Below the campsite is a steep trail of the Buruwisan Falls that is ideal for photography and rappelling. It is the most popular because it is the most accessible among the falls. It has a drop of about 50-meters, giving it a reputation as "an excellent training ground for neophyte mountain climbers." The waters of Buruwisan eventually meet Lanzones Falls, a 70 ft. waterfalls that descends the jagged-edge of rocks with smaller catch basin compared to Buruwisan, and the lead to the bigger Binaytuan Falls, which has more or less 200-meter drop.

Lanzones Falls

The Buruwisan Falls with Jac G., Gie D., Noah B., Kris G.

On the other hand, upstream is the Batya-Batya Falls known as Guiling-Guiling, which was our last stop. I was in awe, because I saw God's creation in front of me. I was in love with the rock formation of Batya-Batya. There was a part though before reaching Batya-Batya Falls where you will get to swim, and have to walk through chest-deep waters. A plastic bag for your camera is a must. I also got the chance to climb the Batya-Batya Falls, and though it was slippery I nailed it! Just be careful not to slip when climbing to avoid injuries. We didn't have a chance to see the rest of the falls, because it requires more equipment, skills and we ran out of time. I didn't have the right training or gears for the climb, but I brought with me my unending eagerness for new adventures. It was ultimately rewarding and if you are into trekking, you will surely enjoy Mt. Romelo. We headed back to Manila and my whole day adventure was truly worth it.

Daydreaming by the rocks.

We nailed it! From left: Jac G., Jhowa B., myself and Kris G.

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.