rehinapola: February 2017

Literature

If you're into the brrrr! kind of weather and you don't have the time for an arse-flattening drive to Baguio as well as the budget, better yet shift your gear and head to Tagaytay. For just an hour or so (depending on the traffic, of course) drive from the city, you'll be able to enjoy the perks of a nearly getaway. Here’s the compilation of where I’ve been...

How to get there:

Via car - From Osmena highway or EDSA, drive down south through Skyway then SLEX passing through Sta. Rosa exit and Nuvali, then off to Tagaytay-Calamba road. (Use Waze for better directions)
Via Bus - From pasay, take any Nasugbu or Lian route bus. There are some buses that don't pass Tagaytay, so better yet ask the ticketing clerk if it will. (haven't travelled via bus recently, sorry)
- From Buendia, near Jolibee in front of Jac liner. There are FX that will take you straight to Tagaytay.

Going around tagaytay:

It's better to take your car with a full tank and have a backseat full of chips and water. If you plan to go around, it's better to be prepared not only for the distance of each sites but also for waiting in traffic jams especially, if you plan to go on holidays.
But for an easy breezy run around, just rent a tryk for the whole day. It will save you not only the time but also, they can be your tour guide.

LEISURE

Picnic Grove - It has a nice view of the taal, as I remembered. Though, usually crowded and noisy. There are some activities that might interest you like the zipline and cable car, horseback riding and a playground. There's not much if you're not into parks but to go on a stroll or sit on a mat placed over the grass would be a nice way to spend a not so hot weather.

The pack, circa 2011
People's Park in the Sky - Not far along, the old unfinished mansion also known as people's park in the sky as it's a long way up and usually public transpo dare not enter the premise upward and I'm not sure why. You'll find a chapel, souvenir shops and binocular rentals to swift the perimeter.

looks like that church in the killers MV
Sky Ranch - An amusement park developed by SM, so expect something that somehow looks like the grounds in MOA, it’s not much for adults if you ask me but kids surely dig it. They added some mini roller coasters and if you plan to bring your pets, don’t forget to put some diapees on

RESTAURANT | FASTFOOD

Leslie's - One thing that you should not miss when in Tagaytay is of course the Bulalo. It's stewed cow's bone marrow and the go to place is Leslie's. There are two in Tagaytay. One at tagaytay-calamba road, along Starbucks and other restos with an overlooking scene. The other is in Skyranch.
Towerground bulalohan | Green ATS | Mahogany market- Other choices for bulalo and crispy tawilis or if you just want to wait till the morning eating, those are some places which are somehow open for 24hrs.

Mushroom Burger - Here’s a place that you know I won’t go home unvisited. They’ve got all food mushroom made. From mushroom fries, spaghetti, burger, you name it, they’ve got it. Looks like your usual burger joint but man, it’s cheap and it’s good.
Josephine's - Tried their lunch buffet but not that satisfying, it’s not that expensive maybe that's why it doesn’t have too much to offer.. (Oh, I’m a bit picky so, that’s prolly another reason. lol)
Cliff House - If you're more into your sosh kind of mode, here's a place to go. Actually the place has a bed and breakfast and the ambiance is really nice in the morning. Haven't seen the place in the evening, though. You can dine at Cafe breton, Bon journ, Cliff house itself, if you've checked in and there are some donut and gelato shops there as well. The overlooking view is quite nice, that, I can be sure of. a. Cafe Breton opens at about 10am b. Bon journ at about 8-9am, can't remember exactly. Love their sofa table at the back, great taal view. Pancakes good for two but a bit tough..

never get flowers coz they said, I don't like it
Bag of Beans - They’ve got about 3 locations within tagaytay. Been to two of them, it’s very homie. Even had my birthday dinner at one of them. Love their anytime breakfast Tocino meal.

tocino, anytime of the day <3

Pre-Birthday Dinner 2016
Antonio's Breakfast - Planning for a sweet, posh breakfast or brunch and you want to show off, best to dine at Antonio’s. There are a few Antonio’s located in Tagaytay that will best suit your preferences. They’re a bit big with the western ambiance but the breakfast place is the only one that opens as early as 7am, though, if you fancy some ribs, they start serving at 9am or 10am. Pancakes are a bit bland. Benedicts are pretty nice.

all things pastries

TeamPuyat | when we realized that ribs ain't for breakfast

CAFE

Starbucks Coffee - More or less five (5) cafes along the highway. I recommend two locations among them. Our usual go to places for coffee or the only shops open at wee hours, Downhill and Twin lakes. Downhill is near the park and Twin lakes way down south, near tagaytay-batangas boundary, more or less nea the pretty Calaruega church. Warning: If your car is lowered or you’re not that confident with your driving, might as well have your car parked at the open space beside sbux downhill.

Café Voila – An Asian fusion restaurant with pretty interior at crosswinds. Good pizza and pasta, instagrammable interior.

3. Dreamland arts and crafts - Oh the place really looks nice and cozy and you can buy your bohemian needs but the food, just try it, when you’re really hungry. Don’t wanna say, I told you so.

OVERNIGHT

Amelia's - My boss’ Tagaytay rest house, I’m not actually sure if it’s open to the public but I’m positive that it’s being rented to some. It’s spacious and they have karaoke. It’s near to all those I’ve mentioned above.
Hotel Kimberly - I haven’t stayed here yet, but we made reservation for my friend’s parent’s anniversary and we had a tour of the place. It’s really big. Who would know, aside from their pool, they have a mini zoo, garden, and such. Rooms are pretty decent and their menu’s really updated.
5R Rooms - If you’re in a tight budget but you’re too exhausted to drive back to mnl and you’re not that picky or anxious that a misty figure will wake you up, here’s a place to stay. Simple room with a bed, television and your own bathroom.