Tagaytay.

Taal Volcano.

We made a quick trip to Tagaytay so that my niece Phoebe will have a taste of this charming city before she heads back to Iligan. We arrived at noon, in time for some bulalo, grilled maliputo, and camaron rebosado. We spent the entire afternoon driving around. We visited the Chapel on the Hill, and made quick stops at corn stalls and cafes.

How to get there: There are two routes to Tagaytay -- through South Superhighway and through the Coastal Road. When taking the South Superhighway route, take the Carmona or Sta. Rosa Exits. The Carmona Exit will take you to the Governor's Drive and then to Silang, and then to Tagaytay.

Transportation: There are buses passing through Tagaytay city. Take the ones going to Nasugbu, Batangas. The BLTB and other bus companies have terminals in Edsa, Pasay, and Baclaran (below the LRT station). BLTB contact numbers: +632 8335508 . +632 833501 . +632 9131525. Of course, it is ideal to have your own car. If you are just visiting and no relatives or friends here to take you around, you can rent a van.

Accomodations: Tagaytay is a vacation destination and the city naturally has lots of beautiful hotels and inns. Here's a very short list --

Taal Vista
Km. 60 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines
Tel : (632) 886-4325; (6346) 413-1000

Manila Sales Office15th Floor, 139 Corporate Center
Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel : (632) 751-3088/89, (632) 751-8419
Fax : (632) 751-3090

T House
3195 Calamba Road,
Tagaytay City, Philippines
Tel : (046) 483.0011, (046) 483.0012
Mobile : 0922-8THouse (0922-884-6873), 0928-9409954
Email : Stay@THouseTagaytay.com

The Boutique Bed and Breakfast
#45 Aguinaldo Highway,
Tagaytay City, Philippines

Sonya's Garden
Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite,
Mobile : +63-9175329097 or +63-9175335140
Email : info@sonyasgarden.com

Things to do: Take a peek at the smallest active volcano, the Taal, from restaurants around the area that has the view of the volcano and the lake.

Relax and get a massage. Have breakfast at Antonio's, vietnamese lunch at Bawai's, and some healthy dinner at Sonya's garden.

Shop for some flowers and potted plants. Buy some buko tarts at Amira's Buko Tart House (they have the yummiest buko tart!). Don't miss Bag of Beans and grab some cinnamon bread and coffee. And what's a visit to Tagaytay without dropping by Mushroom Burger?

Since you are already in the area, look for Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms. I love their Sting-less mosquito repellant, their soaps, leather balsam, and aromatherapy oils.

Antonio's
Bgy. Neogan
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Mobile: (0918) 899-2866

Amira's Buko Tart House
Aguinaldo Highway cor. SVD Road,
Maitim 2nd Tagaytay East Tagaytay City.
Phone : (046) 413-1491

Bag of Beans
115 Aguinaldo Highway,
Mendez Crossing West,
Tagaytay City
Phone : +63 46 4134356, +63 46 413 2724
Mobile : +63923 4544797, +63920 9546370

Mushroom Burger
Brgy. Kaybagal along Aguinaldo Highway
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Phone : (046) 413-1330

Ilog Maria
Phone : (046) 8650018
Email : info@ilogmaria.com

One more thing: Grab some white and yellow corn on your way home. =)