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Published: April 22nd 2010
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I have always heard of Tagaytay from my friends in Manila. From their stories, I imagined that the place must have a climate similar to Baguio, the so-called summer capital of the Philippines. Though I have been invited by my friends to visit Tagaytay, for one reason or another, I was not able visit the place.
Then, finally, on 15-16 April 2010, an opportunity presented itself. After spending four gruelling days in Manila, I was able to adjust my travel itenerary and had a sidetrip to Tagataytay.
Crowded Bus, Plying Heavy Traffic
I checked-out from Orchid Garden Suites along Vito Cruz (where I stayed in the last few days) at about 7:30 in the evening. I was suppose to check-out earlier but was delayed because I have to wait for a friend to get the Krispy Creme that he stored in my room's refrigerator. Knowing fully well that bus transport to many provinces in the Philippines do not run 24/7, I was worried that I might not be able to catch the last trip to Tagaytay.
Carrying a backpack, laptop, and camera, I hailed a taxi and asked him to take me to the bus terminal going
to Tagaytay. But the driver declined because he does not know where it is (and I have no idea either). It is also possible that the driver was just unwilling to take me there--a trait so common among taxi drivers in Manila. I continued walking along Vito Cruz until I chanced on a parked taxi right in-front of KFC. The driver, who was quite conversant, took me to Baclaran where he knew buses to Tagaytay had a terminal. He was also kind enough to enquire from the people which bus is bound for Tagaytay.
The bus that he found was not airconditioned. But given the circumstance I was in, I have no other choice but to hop-in. The bus was crowded but I was able to wedge myself through sweaty bodies and secured a seat near the driver. The bus stayed for some 15 minutes but I guess, in the next 30-35 minutes we haven't moved much because of the terrible traffic (which extends all the way to Bacoor in Cavite).
One need not worry about getting lost in going to Tagaytay. In my case, I simply told the bus conductor that I am going to Tagaytay, and
I would be getting-off in Olivares. The first town on the way to Tagaytay is Bacoor, followed by Imus, Dasmarinas, then last Silang. The one-way ticket to Tagaytay costs Php60.00 for the non-aircon (and Php77.00 for the aircon). The trip took almost 3 hours but I was told that when traffic condition is favorable it will only take two hours or less (Tagaytay is 56.2 kilometers from Manila).
Horrible-looking shower
Due to its popularity, there are a number of places to stay in Tagaytay. It so happen that during my trip a Colleague was also in Tagaytay and he willingly agreed to let me stay in his room (a family room) at Ren Po for free. Altough I did not spend for the room, I think that at Php2,000.00 it was a bit pricey for a budget traveller.
On the overall Ren Po is clean, has a big parking lot, a small swimming pool, although I cannot understand why they opted to install a shower which is difficult to operate (and rather horrible-looking). The shower panel which is rectangular in shape, has a number of buttons, and has four shower heads which are located in rather odd
place.
Nothing Spectacular
The most common form of moving within Tagaytay is by means of a miniature tricycle which can accomodate, I was told, upto four passengers. However, the fare per trip (not per person) is quite costly, at an average of Php30.00 (although disctance is also considered, the father the destination, the higher the fare).
I spent the morning following my arrival walking and taking pictures of interesting sites in the sreets of Olivares. There is nothing extraordinary about Olivares. The photographs that I have taken were mainly flowers sold by the flower vendors.
In the afternoon I went to the People's Park, which is really a park-cum religious pilgrimage site on top of a mountain. The entrance fee was Php15.00 per person and I walk a good walk in order to reach the summit. At the summit is a building which, I think, was so constructed to simulate a ruined building (I can be wrong though). Also, there is a statue of Mary, a telecommunications tower, a whishing well, some benches, souvineer shops, etc. From the city Center, the fare to the People's park is over Php80.00 per trip
Taal volcano is almost
synonymous with Tagaytay. To get there, however, one has to hire a boat which costs Php1,500 (shared by the number of passengers). To get to see the caldera, there are two options: (1) hire a horse at a rate of Php1,000.00 - Php1,500.00; or (2) walk a good walk. Given the price, I opted not to go to Taal.
All things considered there is nothing in Tagaytay that one will not find anywhere else in the Philippines. Tagaytay however is a good place for city dwellers, particularly those from Manila, to escape and unwind--the air is clean, fresh, and cold, rush-hour traffic non-existent, and yes, oh yes, the trees, electric poles, and walls are generally free from the polluting faces of Philippine politicians.
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Gerald Hunt
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An inexpensive treat
Foreigners and Filipinos alike should check out Hey Joe's eatery in Tagaytay. The is a small food stand located just down the street past Olivarez College, it is one of three at that location. It is operated by an American and they specialize in "Corn Dogs" an amazing treat not really found in the Philippines. Once they try them the Pinoys love them, a corn flour battered king size hot dog on a stick, deep fried. Sarap ! Inexpensive at P39 and well worth it. They also serve breakfast, I had Hotcakes, Longanisa and a egg for just P49. Fresh brewed coffee with free refills was only P15. Its a good spot to know about.