After getting lost and arguing with a cab driver, I finally got to Ruby’s place.  Carl was already there and Ruby was also set to go. After about 10 minutes of preparing, Ruby started the engine and we headed to Tagaytay.

First off, we stopped by SLEX because they haven’t eaten their breakfast. Then the roadtrip continues…

The traffic wasn’t so bad, although the trucks beside us were pretty scary. We reached Tagaytay after an hour or less and had a good rest at Starbucks. We had the usual frap while chatting about anything that got into our minds. The only difference was we were looking over Taal Lake and Volcano. It was a bit foggy so we didn’t get a really good look at the lake but the scene was good enough for good old friends who wanted to have clean fun.

 

Ruby, me and Carl just outside Starbucks

After coffee break, Ruby was already itching for lunch! Honestly, we don’t where her appetite is coming from… Anyway, we convinced her to have lunch later, after we go to People’s Park.

The road to People’s Park is smooth and steep, but relaxing because of the beauty of nature that surrounded us. There were few cars so we didn’t have any problems with the traffic… well, we were in Tagaytay… what do you expect?

A number of vendors approached us as soon as we got off the car. Because I didn’t want to buy and didn’t want to appear so standoffish, I told the vendor that I’d buy later… which I regret because he really waited for us to return!

Anyway, it’s been ages since I went to People’s Park. I noted a number of changes I noticed from the last time I visited the place (10 years ago, I guess):

1. Koreans are all over the place… like in Baguio, Galera, Batangas and other hot spots

2. There are tiangges which sell really inexpensive products (nice bags cost from 300-500 and shirts cost 80)

 

Trying out a cowboy hat

3. The place is no doubt deteriorating… what is the entrance fee for, by the way?

Overlooking Tagaytay Highlands

Next, we had lunch at Buon Guorno, an Italian restaurant well-known in Tagaytay. Funny thing is, we dined there because we thought we could only find it in Tagaytay only to realized that they have another branch in Mandaluyong!

Anyway, the cost of food ranges from 200 – 1,000 (excluding 10% tax). They offer salads, risotto, pasta, sandwiches, among others. I ordered chicken panini which costs 202 Php (+10% tax).

The place is quite posh, cozy and has a nice view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. The food, on the other hand, is good, although I’m not really a fan of salads and dressings.

We stayed for 2 hours or more in the restaurant, as we waited for the rain to stop. We also found a nice shop beside Buon Guorno called “Domicillo”. They sell bags, candles, scents, accessories and furniture.  

At around 4 p.m., we decided to head back to Manila. We reached Mall of Asia after more than an hour. We were all tired but the day wasn’t over so we hit the movie house and watched Iron Man, which Ruby has already seen. We were already a bit sleepy in the movie house but the scenes are just amazing that we could not afford not paying attention to them.

Finally, at about 9 p.m., we bid our goodbyes.

Anyway, here is a list of my expenses during the whole trip:

toll fee – around 90 Php

breakfast at KFC – 100 Php

Starbucks frap- 160 Php

entrance fee at People’s Park – 15 Php

espasol – 100 Php

lunch at Buon Guorno – 250 Php

gas – 500 Php

movie ticket – 160 Php

kooler at Go Nuts – 120 Php

shawl (because I got cold and I didn’t bring a jacket) – 100 Php

fare from MOA to house – 100 Php