The Scenic Tagaytay City

One of the most popular summer destination in the Philippines, perhaps second to Baguio City. Tagaytay has an altitude of 2000ft above sea level. The scenic view overlooks Taal Lake and Taal Volcano Island which is viewable from several vantage points in the city.

Due to it's close proximity to Manila, it has become a popular vacation getaway not only during summer but all year round. Among the most popular attractions are: Picnic Grove (which includes: zip line, cable car, Taal Lake view, souvenir shops), Palace in the Sky, Mushroom Burger and the newly added Sky Ranch (there is an entry fee so I opted to just take pictures from afar).

Although Bulalo is originally from Batangas, you can still enjoy the world renowned Bulalo soup in Tagaytay with many restos to choose from.

How to Get There:

1.) Ride a bus bound to Tagaytay, tell the conductor to drop you off in Olivares Terminal (that's where the terminal of public tranport bound for Picnic Grove and People's Park are located).

2.) If you are planning to go to Sky Ranch tell the conductor to drop you off in Sky Ranch.

"Beef Pares" - Classic Dish for a Tight Budget Pinoy

"Beef Pares" is one of the most popular dish in the local Philippine eatery. It is equivalent to braised beef. “Pares” literary means “pair”  is a combination of braised beef or beef stew as a tasty viand and a bowl of soup.

It is typically served with garlic fried rice and a bowl of beef broth soup. It is usually a simple fried rice made by stir frying rice and a generous amount of garlic. The soup may include broth from the initial cooking of the meat before the sauce ingredients are added. Additional garlic, ginger and onion may be added to deepen the flavor of the soup.

There is nothing special about the dish but it seems that it is very popular most especially to carinderias and eateries along sidewalks. It think the reason why it is so popular is the affordability and simplicity aside from the good taste of course. It is similar to “tapsilog” where everything you will eat is in a single plate.

Rating:

6 out of 10

Banawe Rice Terraces

Banawe Rice Terraces is a UNESCO world heritage site which is considered to be one of the eight ancient wonders of the world located in Ifugao at the northern part of Luzon.  It was carved out of the mountains by the Ifugao,  these ancient wonder is believed to be 2000 to 3000 years ago, made without the aid of machinery that provides level steps where the locals plant rice.

Banaue rice terraces stretches like stepping stones to the sky and some reaching an altitude of 1500 m (4920 ft).

How to Get There:


1.)  In Baguio terminal, you can ride Banawe bound buses
2.)  From Manila, you can take Dangwa Bus with stations in  
Manila Terminal: 1600 Dimasalang Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Quezon City Terminal: 832 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao Tel. Nos. 743-6870).

Sagada, Mt. Province

Sagada, Mt. Province is a small town in the northern part of Luzon which is about 5-6 hours drive from Baguio City and 275 km. from Manila. The town is nestled in a valley enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range. The elevation (5000 ft) and cool breeze is almost identical to Baguio City except that is more blissful and serene. Sagada became much popular after it was featured in the movie: "That Thing Called Tadhana" with the famed catchphrase "Where do broken hearts go?" -  the answer is simple, they go to Sagada.

Popular activities in Sagada includes: trekking at Mt. Ampacao and Echo Valley, be amazed at the picturesque view of Sagada Terraces and Sea of Clouds from Kiltepan Peak; explore Bomok-Ok Falls and Lake Danum, spelunking at Sumaguing Caves. Other activities also includes bonfires, picnics, visiting historical sites and participating in tribal celebrations.

One must also visit the famous Lemon Pie House in Sagada which known for their famed Lemon Pie - it's worth it.

Episcopal Church of Mary the Virgin

Sagada Rice Terraces as viewed from Kiltepan Peak

Echo Valley

Sumaguin Cave

Lake Danum

Hanging Coffins

(On our way to Sagada via Halsema Highway we passed by the
highest point of Philippine Highway System)

How to Get There: (The author used a private vehicle)
1.) In Baguio City go to Dangwa Bus terminal, look for Lizardo Bus bound for Sagada
2.) Travel time is 5-6 hours.