I used to work in Makati (a city located in Luzon) as a hotelier 12 years ago but I have never visited nor traveled its neighboring towns or cities. For someone not familiar with the Philippine's geography, it is divided into 3 major island groups namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The capital is located in Luzon - Manila to be more specific.
Travelling was not my thing before. Exploring the metro via buses and train was already a daunting task, much more than the rest of the places up north. Nada! Over the years, my preferences have changed and as they say, when travel bugs bite you, you will never be the same. Unfortunately, yes, because I am living from paycheck to paycheck, spending most of my funds traveling. Lol
Bonifacio Global City
Last month, we visited our college friend and decided to explore Luzon. The first in the itinerary was Tagaytay and its attractions. As soon as our friend arrived at the airport to pick us up, we immediately strolled the metro prior to our trip to Tagaytay. We went to BGC, one of Taguig's major business areas. My friend also works there. There were a lot of changes from the last time I went there. One of the experiences that amazes me was the x-zebra crossing. Sorry for being ihas (naive, haha I was not able to take a photo though.
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There were plenty of art installations and murals almost in every few blocks. I'm not sure if these are commissioned or the work of private artists trying to paint the town beautiful.
Tagaytay City
After roaming for a few minutes, we grabbed some sandwiches from pan de manila, and off we drove to Tagaytay. I can't remember how much time we spent on the road as I was sleeping every now and then. I have not slept as I just got out from a graveyard shift at that time. Because we were starving from a long drive, our first stop was at Tagaytay's famous market that serves bulalo (beef stew) just inside the market center overlooking the meat section. Tagaytay is famous for bulalo as there are several cattle farms in the province. In fact, their beef is not expensive although I am not sure if it was a premium variety.
Bulalohan
The food stall was located in the second floor. There were several stalls lined up occupying the entire floor. We ordered their famous bulalo and some local dishes. And by the way, Tagaytay's weather is chilly as it is situated at a high altitude. I regretted not bringing a sweater. But thanks to the stews high calorie content it made us feel warm.
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So there goes the bulalo and all its grease in a huge aluminum bowl along with some cabbage and sweetcorn. It was a huge leg part with bone still intact and its marrows almost giving up. It was sumptuous but it was not good enough. I expected a lot I guess because of some great reviews I read online. And because we have the same food business back in Mindanao serving the same stew. The kare-kare is what I enjoyed the most. It was my first time eating an authentic kare-kare (according to the server) smothered in peanut goodness.
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After our coffee extravaganza, we explored their market looking for something locally made to bring back to the city. We were surprised that the fresh produce and fruits were very affordable. We bought a suman(steamed sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) and some fruit.
Taal Lake and Volcano
Tagaytay has a vantage view of the lake and volcano. Just so you know, Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located within a lake. It erupted just recently which created havoc in the surrounding communities.
Because there were not a lot of parking areas nearby where we can have a view of the lake and Taal Volcano, we decided to drop by at Starbucks which has a vantage view of the lake.
It was very scenic and picturesque and dangerous at the same time. We enjoyed the view for a couple of minutes and left the place when the crowd started to build up.
If we only had the luxury of time, we could have stayed overnight. But at least we have another reason to go back.
Have you been to Tagaytay? How was your experience?
Thank you for reading and please upvote and share to your friends.
How I miss Tagaytay, visiting Tagaytay is one of my memorable travels, it was in January when the weather is very cold at night.
Yep, it was even cold during our visit in broad daylight.. i want to go back. Thanks for dropping by.
You're welcome and have a nice day ahead.
I have always wanted to see the actual taal volcano. I went there in Tagaytay already but it's sad because when we got there, it's already dark. As much as we want to see it the next day, we couldn't because we still have some other places to go that time. But anyway, I want to go there soon.
Yea, it was so surreal seeing it for the first time. I only saw it in texbooks back in my elementary days. Lol
Sana all hahaha niadto man mi sa Tagaytay unya wa mi picture, chaka! Haaha
Huyy imposible wa ka naka pic. Ikaw p ba..
High school paku ato hahaha maka picture ang antenna na cp? Hahah
Huy ka dugay na ba diay. Datuon na jud diay ka mamsh ever since.
Hahaha piste 😂😂
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Thank you
Tagaytay and Taal volcano, are on my bucket list, I'm getting excited to experience its scenic view soon while reading your blog. Thank you for sharing @baninan
You are welcome. Yea Taal Volcano is is a must visit..
Seems like you really emjoy this travel man. I am so jealous but I am too lazy to travel, lol. Anyways, that last picture is the winner here. It is very lovely 😍
Thank you. Sometimes i find it toiling specially if it is a long travel but when you are with good some friends it is all worth it. Yolo.
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You're welcome @baninan! Have a nice day 😊👍
I'm so happy nakalaag-laag naka dai 😍 Work life balance jod ta. Enjoy your future trips!❤️
Yes day, kay wfh man hehe. I can work with my laptop. Get well soon dae.
Perks! Sana all. 😄🙏
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