Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dining at Tagaytay

I am not a food connoisseur. My cooking abilities are also limited. I see food as a fuel for the body. As long as the food being served to me is not spoiled and doesn't smell (or taste) unusual, I'll definitely eat it. When I eat out, I prefer the ambiance of the place more than the taste of food. With these limitations laid out, this blog entry is just an attempt to describe my gastronomic experience during my recent trip in Tagaytay. 

I don't know how to exactly start this entry. I'll just say that these were the places where we, my boyfriend and I, ate during our recent Tagaytay trip.

1. Alamat Restaurant

Alamat Restaurant can be found inside Picnic Grove. We ate here because this is the only restaurant inside the grounds. You can find it upon walking up the path from the entrance gate. There are indoor and outdoor tables. We ate outside because there were no more spaces inside. Place was relatively clean. However, there were a few flies because our table was situated outside and there were plants around.
Kare-kare at Alamat Restaurant, Tagaytay

Smoked fish (tilapia) at Alamat Restaurant, Tagaytay
Service was slow once they get our orders. We had to wait for about 20 minutes before our food was served. We just ordered 2 dishes and the place was not full with people. My boyfriend had to ask three times for water before it was served.

We ordered kare-kare and inihaw na tilapia or smoked fish. The fish was cooked just right to our taste- crispy on the outside and well-cooked in the inside. But the kare-kare was a different thing, It's just okay. It tasted a bit sweet. The sauce was not thick enough.

For 2 dishes and 3 servings of rice, we paid for around P390.

Recommendation: If it's not a hassle on your part, bring your own food if you're planning to have lunch at Picnic Grove. It's better to pay a picnic shed or table overlooking Taal than dine here. First, the place doesn't overlook the lake. Second, the air is cooler in the picnic area than dining out in Alamat Restaurant.

2. Pamana Restaurant

The only reason why I'd like to eat here was the because of the place's ambiance. It's also nearer where we stayed than the other well-known restaurants in the area. Pamana is located along the road going to Nasugbu. From Tagaytay Rotunda, it's about 5 minutes away and can be seen on the left side. The location of the place is strategic to give you a good view of Taal Lake. The place itself is luxuriously homey. I think the place was a rest house before it was converted into a restaurant. We ate on the second floor. Good thing that there were only a few patrons because the place is cramped. The chairs and tables are antique in style. We would like to be placed in the balcony area but due to mist and drizzle, we were advised to eat inside.

BULALO at Pamana Restaurant, Tagaytay
As for the service, the staff was friendly and as prompt as they can be. They also accommodated us when we requested to see the third floor which was also closed due to the weather.

We just ordered Bulalo, a type of beef stew, a bowl of rice and a pitcher of iced tea. The bulalo was good for 5 to 6. It tasted good enough. I just hoped they put some corn in it. The bowl of rice was good for two people who eats moderately. In short, the rice serving won't really fill you. The iced tea tasted like a Nestea. I had no problems with the taste but for ordinary-tasting food (and drink), I was disappointed to be paying around P950!

Pamana Restaurant facade
Recommendation: Dine here for breakfast, lunch or early dinner so you can see Taal Lake. Don't look at the food prices at face value. The prices listed there were exclusive of VAT. They also have service charge. Don't dine if you're on a budget. Maybe have a drink instead of a full meal. Enjoy the ambiance!

3. Java Jazz

Java Jazz is located near Ina ng Laging Saklolo Church. It is about 5 to 10 minutes away from Tagaytay Rotunda along the road leading to Picnic Grove. Originally, we planned to have a late night drink of hot choco and coffee. But because of the bulalo we ate at Pamana, we reserved eating at this place for our lunch the next day. The place is like an artist's haven. Several paintings are displayed around the  area. We ate on the mat ala Japanese style. There were cute tables and chairs too. The place was soothing and relaxing esp. with the Jazz music being played.

Artworks  at Java Jazz, Tagaytay
Service is quite slow. I wasn't sure why since we were the only customers at that time. We waited for almost half an hour for a plate of spaghetti and a plate of fried bangus, egg and rice. (Yes, their menu is very varied.)
Actually, even when we asked for our tab, we waited for about 10 minutes.

Hot Choco with Marshmallows at Java Jazz, Tagaytay


Tsokolat-Ah! at Java Jazz, Tagaytay

 As  for the food, they were average. Nothing really special. But their hot chocolate were something else. I ordered Tsokolat-Ah! It was a perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness. So far, theirs was the best-tasting hot choco that I have tasted and this is considering that I always try hot chocos and coffee whenever I travel. I also tried hot chocos from various cafes in the metro. My boyfriend ordered hot choco with marshmallows. It was also good but with a candy-like aftertaste because of the marshes.

All in all, we paid P480.

Recommendation: Go here at night. No need to order food but try their hot chocos. The place is good for conversation! 

One thing I have learned when dining in Tagaytay was not to see the food prices at face value. VAT was always not included in their prices. At least, here in the restos that we tried. They also have service charge which I have nothing against of but they should inform their customers about through the menu. It's like they have hidden charges. Also, try these places for the ambiance and experience. No need to expect too much about the food. At least, this is my opinion.













































Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Laguna Resort: Secret Getaway at City of Springs

Undoubtedly, Laguna is known for its hot springs. The place is filled with private and public resorts offering warm-watered pools.



One of Laguna's simple secrets is The City of Springs found in Los Banos. It is one of the less expensive resorts under the Splash Resorts Management. It is a short distance away from the main road and from the market. The nearest attractions are the University of the Philippines and Mt. Makiling. They are about an hour away from the resort.

The City of Springs is a small resort with a family feel to it. Since it is not very popular, privacy is ensured.  Facilities include a restaurant, various room types and recreation facilities such as billiards, darts, table tennis and karaoke.They have a suite that has its own jacuzzi.

 There are just two big pools- one for adults and one for kids, which are open to the public. The kiddie pool has slides. A separate area for a private pool is also available upon request. (and payment!)

One of the best thing that the resort can offer is its immediate view of the Laguna Bay sunset. At the end part of the resort, a railed area for dining purposes overlooks the Laguna de Bay. The best time to lounge there is at around 5:30 onwards for a view of the sunset. Just be wary of occasional mosquitoes.



For budget travellers, their cheapest room, the Victoria Lodge, only costs for around P740 without breakfast. The room is basic but large enough for two. They have a queen-sized bed and a small table with two chairs. The comfort room is big and clean. They provide towels but not soap and toothpaste. Room is airconditioned. The only drawback is its proximity from the driveway. From the room, you can hear the people and cars entering and exiting from the resort. Good thing is that only a few passes by the area so there's still silence.

Although they have a restaurant, there are small cafeterias around the area which you can buy food for a cheaper cost. The location is also a residential area so the place is relatively secured and quiet.

If you are looking for a short retreat, consider the place as your sanctuary. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

Get an HM bus ride from Cubao going to Los Banos. Tell the conductor to drop you before the Los Banos Market near the Municipal Hall. The road is a bit winding at this part. Upon getting off the bus, you can either walk towards the resort or take a tricycle that costs P20. Tell the driver to drop you off at City of Springs.
















Tagaytay Itinerary in Two Days: Quick Getaway


After a stressful summer, the BF and I decided to take a breather before another stressful school year begins. Since we're saving up for another trip on July, we decided to take a quick rest at Tagaytay.  We planned not to indulge too much but also not to go to a super budget trip.

Day 1:

We left Manila at 8:30 am. We rode the BSM bus at Pasay rotunda bound to Nasugbu.  Their terminal can be found in the back of Mc Donalds and Sogo Hotel near Taft MRT station.We told the driver to drop us off at Olivarez Terminal before Tagaytay rotunda.


Tagaytay Rotunda
 We arrived at Tagaytay past 11 am because the BSM bus did not pass by SLEX. It pass through several cities in Cavite. Travel would have been faster if we have taken Crow buses.

Our first stop was at Picnic Grove. From Olivarez Terminal, we rode a jeep with the signboard People's Park. First thing we did was try the zipline. For first timers, it may be thrilling but I think it's a bit short and expensive.

hanging bridge at Eco Trail
 After the zipline, we passed by the eco trail and took some pictures along the way.

The way up from the trail was a bit tiring so we ate lunch at Alamat Restaurant. Food is okay. Service is a bit slow and there are some flies because the place is open.

ube jam, 900 grams, from Good Shepherd Convent

After lunch, we decided to buy ube jam for pasalubong from the Good Shepherd Convent. This is the producer of the famous jam in Baguio. It's a 10-minute walk from Picnic Grove.

facade of 5R Rooms

Then we checked-in at 5R Rooms for Rent where we will stay for the night. From the Good Shepherd Convent, we took a jeep bound for Olivarez. The hostel is along the highway so it's easy to see. It's beside Keni Po Rooms. It's important to make reservations since the place has a lot of guests. The person who met us was friendly and helpful. We even asked her to refrigerate the jams until the next day.

We rested for a while and waited the rain to stop since it suddenly rained. At about 3 pm, we went out again to go to Calaruega Church. The Church is an hour away from Olivarez, Tagaytay.

Calaruega Church
From our hotel, we rode the tricyle to Olivarez terminal since the passing jeepneys are full.  From the terminal we rode a jeepney bound to Nasugbu. We drop off at Evercrest then rode another tricyle to Calaruega. We arrived at 4. The church closes at 5:30 so we had enough time to explore the grounds.

Pamana Restaurant at night
Since we also like to enjoy the food in Tagaytay, we had dinner at Pamana Restaurant. The ambience is elegantly homey. We just ordered Bulalo because the waiter said it's good for 5 to 6 people and there's just two of us. Since there's just a few patrons, we stayed until around 8 pm. And besides we're too full . Honestly, we regretted eating dinner here. For a bowl of rice good for two, a bowl of bulalo and a pitcher of iced tea (that tasted like Nestea), we paid P950! Maybe we should have had our breakfast here.

From Pamana, we walk to the terminal again. This is a good  way to lose the calories we gained (haha!). On the way to the terminal, we passed by an Ukay-ukay shop. The clothes are so good and cheap but we didn't buy anything. We went to 5R via tricyle. We planned to drink some coffee from a nearby cafe -Java Jazz but we're too full. (And it was the ending of Mara Clara!)

Day 2:


 The first thing we did when we woke up was to swim at 5R's pool. The water was bearably cold.


Then we checked out and had lunch as Java Jazz. It's a few steps from 5R. Finally, we get to taste their chocolate drink. It was heavenly! The place was also soothing and inviting.

on the way down the entrance
At quarter to 1, we decided to go to People's Park. We stayed there until 2:30 pm before going home to Manila. And that ends our Tagaytay trip. Wishing to come back soon!

Cost of the Trip:

P1,200 -overnight lodging at 5R Rooms

P   312 - fare for two from Manila to Tagaytay and back
P    22  - fare from Olivarez Terminal to Picnic Grove
P   16 - jeepney fare from Good Shepherd to 5R
P  100 -tricycle fare from 5R to Olivarez Terminal and back (to visit Calaruega)
P  100 - jeepney fare for 2 from Olivarez to Evercrest and back
P  100 - tricycle fare from Evercrest to Calaruega and back
P    22 - jeepney fare for 2 from Java Jazz to People's Park for two
P    42 - jeepney fare from People's Park terminal to Olivarez
P    40 - tricycle fare from People's Park entrance to terminal
P  754 - TOTAL cost for TRANSPORTATION

P   360 - Lunch cost at Alamat Restaurant
P   950 - Dinner cost at Pamana
P   450 - Brunch Cost at Java Jazz 
P  485 - ube jam products for pasalubong
P 2245 -TOTAL cost for FOOD


P  100 - entrance fee for two at Picnic Grove
P    60 - entrance fee for 2 at Calaruega
P    30 -entrance fee for 2 at People's Park 
P 600 - zipline at Picnic Grove
P 790  - TOTAL for other ACTIVITIES





















































































Places to Go at Tagaytay: The Common Sights

If there's a perfect reason to go to Tagaytay, it's the sight of  Taal Lake. That's why people flock to cliffs and steeps just to get a glimpse of this lake and the volcano on its center.

Here are the usual places to visit in Tagaytay:

1. Picnic Grove

view deck at Picnic Grove

This place is meant for -picnics as the name implies. There is an area peppered with sheds and tables where you can also get a good view of Taal.  Aside from that, Picnic Grove also offers zipline, cable car and horse back riding activities. It also has a short eco trail located with a hanging bridge, tree-filled shady areas and lots of steps. There's also view deck with a small function hall beneath it. There are also a lot of souvenir shops inside the park.

Costs:
Entrance Fee        -   P 50
Tables and sheds  -   P100 and up
Zipline/ Cable Car - P300 (for a two-way ride with a souvenir picture)
Horseback Riding -  P150  (for half an hour)

How to Get There via Public Transpo:
1. From Manila, take a bus going to Tagaytay or Nasugbo. There are bus terminals in Cubao and at Taft. (We rode the BSM bus at the bus terminal behind Mc Donalds and Sogo Hotel at Taft. Fare costs P78)
2. Drop off at Olivarez Terminal. It is near Tagaytay Rotunda. Take a jeep with the sign board People's Park. Tell the driver to drop you off at Picnic Grove. Fare only costs P11.

2. People's Park 


other view of People's Park
Originally this is called as Palace in the Sky since this was supposed to be a rest house of former president Marcos. But since this was not finished and just became a decaying structure, the government developed this place into a park. The view of Taal is more spectacular here since this is higher than Picnic Grove. However, the area is smaller and there's nothing much to do except to enjoy the view and eat. Take note that upon entering the gate, you have to hike up a half kilometer slope. There are jeepneys from the gate to take people up if you don't like the idea of hiking.
 
 Cost:  Entrance Fee - P15

How to Get There and Return from Wherever You Came From:

The road to People's Park is the same with Picnic Grove, only a bit further.  Instead of paying P11, you have to pay around P21 from Olivarez terminal to People's Park.

The more confusing part is how to return. Even if the jeepneys from Olivarez Terminal will drop you at People's Park, you will not find any jeepney when it's time to return. Instead you have to take a tricyle from the park down to the jeepnet terminal. Fare costs P40. If you're not too tired, you can also walk down from the park to the terminal. From the terminal, ride a jeepner bound for Olivarez terminal.

3. Calaruega Church

outside the chapel


Technically, Calaruega is not located in Tagaytay but in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is also in the opposite side of Picnic Grove and People's Park. But if you have the time, try to visit this small church on a hill with a view of the lake. You can reflect and spend some quiet moments with yourself and be at peace with god. The church has a koi pond where you can feed the fish. It also has a garden cafe.

How to Get There from Manila or Tagaytay:

Take a bus going to Nasugbu that will pass by Tagaytay. Drop off at Evercrest. Then take a tricyle going to the church. Tricyle fare costs P50. You should also get the driver's number because you have to text him to fetch you when you need to return home.

Cost:  Entrance Fee - P30

Of course, these are not the only places where you can get a good view of Taal. But they are worth mentioning for their popularity, accessibility and cost. 





























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