In the midst of my post birthday dinner celebration with friends, we impulsively decided to go to Baguio for the long weekend. But on a second thought, we realized that all of us are on tight budget so we opt for Tagaytay instead. haha!
With a little help from Google, we packed our bags and started our Tagaytay adventure.
Getting There
We met at Mcdonald's near LRT Gil Puyat station around 7:00 in the morning. Our initial plan was to take the van going to Tagaytay but the van will not leave until the passengers are complete. We did not want to waste our time waiting for the van to be full so we took the bus going to Sta. Rosa Balibago instead. Bus fare is around 60php. From Sta. Rosa Balibago, we rode a tricycle (10php each) to the market where the terminal of jeepneys going to Tagaytay is located. From there, we took the jeepney (40 php each) to Olivarez Plaza.
Looking for a place to stay
Thru my research, I came across Keni Po rooms and saw that it has good reviews from blogs. So from Olivarez, we rode a tricycle (10php each) and told the driver to take us there. We have no reservations whatsoever and we were just totally hoping and praying that they still have available rooms --- and guess what??-- they did! We booked for an overnight stay good for 4 persons and Viola! --- we were given a family room which only costs 2000php or 500php each.
Honestly, given the price I was not expecting too much but when we saw the place..we were surprised that the room actually has complete facilities. The family room is like a bachelor's pad with sala, kitchen, bathroom and an air conditioned bedroom with two beds. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove so you can cook food or re-heat them. It also has several eating utensils that you can use. Convenient, isn't it?
What I also like about Keni Po is that the whole place is clean and the staff are very accommodating. Their amenities include a swimming pool, mini garden and free wifi!!
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feel at home na ang mga bagsss!! |
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| Tian, Me and Mario at the garden. |
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| Shammy by the pool! |
From Keni Po, we rode a tricyle (10php each) to Picnic Grove. With an entrance fee of 30php, Picnic Grove is one of the most visited places in Tagaytay . This is a suitable place for families, friends or couples who wanted to relax, have picnic and experience the cool breeze while enjoying the view of the Taal Lake. It also offers group activities like horse back riding, cable car ride and zip line.
Leslie's Restaurant
From Picnic Grove, we went to Leslie's restaurant to have lunch. We rode a tricycle and paid 30php each, quite pricey but Leslie's is really far from Picnic Grove and we were too hungry to wait and look for jeepneys.
Leslie's is famous for their special bulalo and nice ambiance. The restaurant have a magnificent view of the Taal Lake and they also have an in-house band who will serenade the customers while they eat.
Try their special bulalo good for 5 persons for only 599 php.
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| a magnificent view of Taal
Sonya's Garden
From Leslie's, we rode a jeepney (17php each) going to Nasugbu and asked the driver to drop us off in Buck Estate. From Buck Estate, we rode a tricycle (8php each) to Sonya's Garden. There is no entrance fee but I suggest that you buy their pastries and bread because they are delicious and affordable. You can also take it home as pasalubong.
We just wanted to see the place that's why we went here but other people would visit Sonya's to eat at their restaurant or to pamper themselves at Sonya's Sensuous Spa. Hmmmm.. maybe on my next visit, I'll get a massage.
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Caleruega
From Buck Estate, we rode a jeep with a Nasugbu signage (8php each) to Caleruega. They dropped us off in a street where several tricycles are parked. We rode a tricycle (10php each) going to Caleruega Church.
We arrived there at around 5:00 pm in the afternoon and the guards informed us that the park will already close at 5:30 PM. Nevertheless, we still went inside and made the most out of our stay so if you want to maximize your visit, make sure to arrive early. Entrance fee is 30php each.
Caleruega is a beautiful venue for retreats, pre-nuptial photo shoots and weddings. That's why even though we had limited time to go around the place, the visit was truly worth it.
From Caleruega, we rode a jeepney (25php each) back to Olivarez Plaza. From Olivarez, we rode a tricycle (10 php each) to Keni Po.
We went back to Manila on the next day but before heading to the bus station at Olivarez, we visited the Good Shepherd Convent first to buy ube jam, leche flan and buko pie! Yum!
Tiring, yes.. Fun, definitely! It's always nice to try something new and explore an unfamiliar city on your own. Just always ask for directions and you'll never lose your way. *wink!*
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