PinayOdyssey

Darn, whenever I close my eyes, all I can see and think about is home. Home = Philippines. I miss the weather, the ambiance, the nature, the waters, and most of all, the people — family, friends, random strangers on the streets. I have been away for so long now. I badly want to go for a visit. Y.Y

Anyway, today’s post is about one of the most visited spots found in Cavite, the Historical Capital of the Philippines. Cavite is where Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the country, declared Philippines independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.  It also the smallest province in the region, covering 1, 427.06 square kilometers of land.

(It is believed that Cavite’s name came from the word “kawit”, meaning “hook”. Others propose it came from “kabit”, meaning “joined/connected” as evidenced by its topography.)

Overlooking the Taal Lake in the province of Batangas is a component city of Cavite–Tagaytay. Tagaytay is a favorite tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and cool climate. Another reason why it is a well-loved escape is its close proximity to the city of Manila. There are several spots you can visit in Tagaytay: one of the biggest schools of theology in the country, the Divine Word Seminary; the Japanese Friendship Garden; a strip of fancy restaurants and bars called One Destination; People’s Park in the Sky; the Pink Sister’s Convent; Tagaytay Highlands, and of course, the Picnic Grove, Tagaytay’s playground.

Last summer of 2012, my family and I visited the Grove for some picnic, boardwalking, and just lazing around. Picnic Grove offers free entrance, so all you have to worry about is renting a hut/cottage and availing of fun activities like horseback-riding, ziplining, and going down the slope, boating and seeing the mouth of Taal Volcano up-close.

Once settled, you can now start looking for fun stuff to do. Horses for rent have beautiful names. Some are called George, Peter, Richard and Luisa. You will pay an hourly rate for horseback-riding. If you’re not into that, why not take your lover’s hand and go for a walk? The place is surrounded by greenery and you might be surprised to see some exotic plants and insects. Tagaytay Picnic Grove is a favorite dating spot. ❤

There’s an eco trail which you can take and that trail leads to a more majestic view of the lake.

For brave souls out there:

Presenting: One of the smallest volcanoes in the world! An island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island in the Pacific Ocean! The Taal Volcano is a complex volcano, and is the 2nd most active one in PH with 33 recorded eruptions. Well, it hasn’t erupted since 1977, and I do hope that it won’t because there are many residential areas around the lake now!

For additional information about Taal Volcano: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Taal_Volcano. And about TAGAYTAY CITY: http://www.tagaytay.com/. And oh, if ever you will visit Tagaytay, don’t forget to try all the delicious pastries, pies, cakes, and delicacies they offer! Have fun! 😉