TAGAYTAY: Night and Day Tour

Night

Sun down? Nope. A street light.

Been there countless times, often for Sunday masses, sometimes for occasional family gatherings or for just plain dine-outs. We normally get there on a weekend in a little less than 40 minutes, which makes it really convenient so I never run tired of going back.

But I've never been to Tagaytay with friends. I guess because of the companions, it gave me yet another unique experience of the city. And besides, it was the longest I have stayed after dusk.

From Silang (after dining at Balinsasayaw), we took a jeepney which almost worked as a private service vehicle. We were the only ones, that's why. It took us less than 15 minutes to pass by Tagaytay's rotonda and another 2 minutes to arrive at the strip of retaurants, cafes, fastfoods etc. Destination: Starbucks.


Starbucks was one busy coffee house that evening. And despite the cold, it was unbelievable how many were still having frapps (including us). But watching the sky and the little warm light given by the peeking moon must have hidden the cold.

The highway at night.

Frapps even on a clod weather, works.

Day
We only had half a day since we spent the other half hanging out in Our Lady of La Salette in Silang after a 9AM mass. Lunch at Palace in the Sky, siesta at Picnic Grove and merienda at Mushroom Burger - these occupied our afternoon lakwatsa.

PALACE IN THE SKY. The palace's (which they say is Marcos' property) far-from-completion-and-obviously-depreciated state still does not fail to charm its visitors by the view of the City and its neighboring towns. It also has one of the better views of Taal (from afar) which we had one while having lunch. Indeed, this made the walk to the top rewarding as much as it was also exhausting.

Walk to the top.

A view of Taal Lake from Palace in the Sky

Palace in the Sky's open theater.

PICNIC GROVE. While it has continued to improve its facilities and attractions (now having zip lines and cable cars), the park still remained its simple charm which works as a favorite of families who would like to spend an afternoon just relaxing...of moms and dads taking naps or kids running around and playing.

We did not walk around the park anymore. We just stayed under a good spot where we had a generous share of the shades from the surrounding trees. 

Families relaxing under the trees is common view in Picnic Grove.

View of Taal Lake from Picnic Grove.

Pasalubongs.

MUSHROOM BURGER. It tastes like real beef! Only healthier. The restaurant serves more than just burger though. I've been there once and have tried the molo soup. It was just as great as its famous mushroom burger, which we ordered for our  merienda.

Mushroom Burger

COLLETTE'S BUKO PIE. Colette's buko pies are a classic favorite. We each bought one - fresh from the oven. We bought one from the store near Tagaytay's Rotonda. 

Collette's