Chasing Wonders in Tagaytay with AirAsia

The timeless and classic wonder of an island within a lake, on an island within a lake, on an island makes TAGAYTAY a popular tourist destination. Offering the best vantage point of Taal Volcano and Lake favors this city on the ridge as a popular year-round getaway.

And of course, its cool climate makes it a perfect respite from the sweltering heat of Metro Manila. A Tagalog term for "ridge", Tagaytay is situated on the higher portion of the narrow hilltop surrounding Taal Lake.



The combination of high elevation and lush greenery contributes to this cool weather making it to be the  unofficial second Summer Capital of the Philippines, after Baguio.

A top tourist destination in the Calabarzon area, Tagaytay offers a lot to complement the scenery and cool weather. Hotels and resorts take advantage of the scenic view to entice guests, man-made attractions give thrill and excitement and restaurants and cafes makes it a great food trip destination.



And AirAsia invited bloggers and writers from Iloilo and Bacolod to discover what  more it has to offer - it's Chasing Wonders in Tagaytay!

October 1, 2017 was a red-letter day as AirAsia officially had its inaugural flights from Manila to Iloilo! Red and white motif was all-over the Iloilo International Airport signalling the entry of the world's best low-cost airline to this part of Western Visayas.

Iloilo Travel Guide was part of the inaugural flight between Iloilo and Manila and explored Tagaytay via this trip. It was a smooth late-afternoon flight that took around an hour.

Upon landing at NAIA Terminal 4, we took the opportunity to thank our pilots and the plane crew for making the inaugural AirAsia Iloilo-Manila flight safe and smooth.

After a fun-filled 2-hour ride to Tagaytay via SLEX through Sta. Rosa, Laguna we arrived at our hotel - ONE TAGAYTAY PLACE HOTEL SUITES. Its welcoming lobby, already donned for Christmas, became our temporary "respite" - tired from all the travels we had that day.



Good thing check in was a breeze and in no time, we were finally able to have that most awaited stretch in the comforts of our rooms.

The Deluxe Twin Room I shared with Raymart of Randomly Candid, had two comfortable beds, comforter and three pillows each (my kind of thing!).



A flatscreen TV, a fridge, cabinet and mini-desk, among others,completed the works in the room which also had a balcony. The toilet and bathroom also had complete amenities but all I cared (almost) was the hot water in the shower.

Dinner was at the hotel's in-house restaurant - AMACENA. Derived from two Spanish words, “ama” or a conjugation of “amar” which means profound affection, and “cena” or supper. Simply put, Amacena means great love for food and it inspires how Amacena treats its guests - by offering a variety of dishes passionately prepared with love and care.  

What we had for dinner didn't only satisfy our hunger but also gave us a visual treat. I personally loved the Smokin' Bistek (above) despite its oiliness,  the mix of the flavours - savory, sour, etc. was just too delicious.



Equally good were the Dinakdakan , Sizzling Bulalo, Tuna Kinilaw (first time I've seen it served like this), Pinakbet, and Five Cheese Pizza - all under the gastronomic re-imagination of Chef Luigi Muhlach.  

Amacena is homey-looking restaurant decorated with pine wood tables and polished wooden floors, giving diner a laid-back ambiance to relax and enjoy the food.

Elegance and class with a touch of warmth in cool Tagaytay started our journey and we're just only a few hours into it and I wondered what tomorrow will bring...

Tomorrow came with such excitement as we planned our own morning walk before our breakfast call time. That's the time we had our first look at One Tagaytay Place towering above the lush greeneries and gazing into the lake.

A leisurely 15-minute walk brought us to TAGAYTAY PICNIC GROVE. An entrance fee of PhP50 gives you access to the grounds whole day.

It opens around 7am and aside from having a picnic, you can do some hiking along the eco-trail, slide down the zipline, ride the cable car, go horseback riding, buy some souvenirs or just take a lot of pictures.   

And that's exactly what we did - lots of selfies, photos and poses took place as the place makes a perfect background. It is where we had our first glimpse of Taal - both the lake and the volcano, and the picnic grove offers a good view. An enjoyable start of chasing wonders in Tagaytay!

Tracing our steps back to the hotel, breakfast was already waiting for us. After last night's dinner, we can't wait to taste what Amacena have for us that morning.



How about some Chicken Tocino, Daing na Bangus, Longganisa, Eggs and my personal favorite- Corned Beef. This heartily delicious breakfast really perked us ready to face the day ahead as we tour the "Ridge".

First stop, was just right where we were - One Tagaytay Place. The hotel is a two-hour a respite away from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.

A perfect place to relax when the fast-paced lifestyleof the city is drowning you down. Indeed, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites is where serenity meets excitement and leisure... 

A quick tour had us checked the deluxe rooms - twin and double, as well as the suites. We also visited O'Spa where relaxation it at it's finest. We went around to check their function and ball rooms  ranging from hosting intimate gatherings to big receptions.

They also have a rooftop  bar to enjoy the chilly Tagaytay nights over a bottle or two. And atop the main hotel is a pool with a view of the highlands!  Check  their website for more details.

And before we knew it, lunch was next on the agenda and this time we went to TAAL VISTA HOTEL. There we got a better and more personal view of the lake and volcano especially its most recognizable and iconic feature - Bininti-ang Malaki. It was another series of photo-ops and selfies as we got a closer and clearer view of an icon.

Nestled on the Tagaytay Ridge is a timeless hotel that holds a stunning view of the famous Taal Lake and Volcano. Previously known as Taal Vista Lodge, it was reconstructed, back in 2002 in the style of the original lodge. Extensions were added to the complex to provide more conference facilities and amenities for business and leisure activities. It reopened in 2004 as Taal Vista Hotel.

In 1939, the Zamoras of Manila Hotel built Taal Vista Lodge (and golf course) through the suggestion of then Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon who expressed interest in developing Tagaytay as a tourist destination. Between 1956 and 1964 Tagaytay was heavily promoted as a major tourist destination in the Philippines with Taal Vista Lodge as one of the leading attractions in the city. 

One of the many regular visitors of the hotel was a young man who often chose one spot on the grounds from which to gaze out and dream. He was no other than SM's Henry Sy Sr. — who now owns Taal Vista Hotel. (Text courtesy of Taal Vista Hotel website)

The Veranda Restaurant at Taal Vista Hotel offers a sentimental and harmonious vibe. With its bright and lively motif from the furniture and fixtures, it sets a happy mood for its diners.

International and local cuisine served à la carte or buffet with a sideline of cultural presentations that include music and dancing completes the dining experience with view.

The buffet offers several sections and the Appetizers caught my attention first because of its colorful and yes, appetizing display. Part of Heirloom section of Taal Vista Hotel's menu, it has always been a family favorite as it brings the taste of the Filipino home at the buffet. 

There's also a Japanese section which had a variety of sushi, maki, sashimi and other specialties from Japan. Going Italian means there's a pasta and pizza station where you can make your own as you decide which toppings and pasta goes with your taste. 

There's also an Asian noodle section where you can also concoct your own soup or dry noodle dish. The main dish section had a variety of dishes from pork, beef, chicken and seafood cooked in many ways - Filipino, Spanish, American and more.

Desserts also come in many shapes and sizes as well as flairs and flavours. I love the Filipino dessert section - kutsinta, biko, suman, bibingka, puto, palitaw, maja blanca and espasol, among others, as it showcases both the familiar and the somewhat unfamiliar native panghimagas.

 There's also the quintessential halo-halo station with lots of ingredients including ube halaya, leche flan and sweetened fruits. But they also have cakes and pastries as well as crepe station if you veer away from the native delicies. And they have artisanal ice cream too! 

The guilt I felt after that very indulgent lunch was somewhat toned down as we toured the rooms - an exercise while still on the job! Accommodations are basically divided into two based on their location.

Close to the Sky Ranch and trendy restaurants is the Lake Wing where a breathaking view of Taal Lake and Volcano is right outside your room's window. For a more serene surrounding, the Mountain Wing offers the pool, gym and Asmara Spa. 

Now this is a room with a view!

Each room is equipped with complete amenities that will make your stay comforting and classy. These includes free Wi-Fi access, toiletries, welcome drinks and treats. Each room has everything you need to make your stay memorable and comforting. 

Will I ever get tired of this view? I guess not.

Our next destination was literally just next door, we just passed through a private gate and in a matter of minutes the tallest ferris wheel in the country greeted us with much awe. SKY RANCH is a leisure located on a 5-hectare lot overlooking the renowned Tagaytay view. A project of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., it is  set to be one of the definitive Tagaytay experiences.

Kids and kids at heart will enjoy our fantastic rides, food destinations and family-friendly ambiance high above Tagaytay.

The Drop Tower is among the latest and the extreme rides consisting of 12 gondolas that carry passengers lifted to the top of a large vertical structure in which gondolas rotate 360 degrees with perfect scenery of Taal Lake then it bounces up and down that adds up to a much more exciting experience. 

But if extreme is not on your list, a relaxing and fun way to roam around Sky Ranch is the Express Train which goes around the area with 12-18 guests at a time. 

A perfect way to enjoy a fantasy land while enjoying the cool breeze of Tagaytay and the amazing train sound brought about by this ride. Sky Ranch has currently two sets of train , the Thomas Train, which surely amazes kids and the Safari Train that is perfect for adventurous and thrill-seeking individuals.

Mini roller coasters at SKY Ranch

Sky Ranch is also perfect for small to big gathering with its expansive 2,000 sqm. events place called The Venue. This event tent is also a preferred choice for wedding receptions and other social functions, as well as corporate events like seminars for the guests of Taal Vista Hotel.

Spacious gazebos are also strategically placed along the ridge to provide a comfortable vantage point to enjoy the views. Tagaytay being recognized as a foodie destination, Sky Ranch boasts its dining selection with its eclectic food establishments that offer options from casual fast food to family-style to fine dining. 

Do you have a good aim? Try you skill and luck in the many amusement stalls

Finally, reach for the sky with the Sky Eye! The tallest ferris wheel in the Phillipines lifts you up 63 meters above the ground. It consists of 32 air-conditioned gondolas that can accommodate 3-4 passengers per gondola, Sky Eye gives you a wonderful view of Tagaytay, its neighboring provinces, Taal Volcano and Lake for 10 minutes. What a perfect way to end an enjoyable day at SkyRanch!

But our "Chasing Wonders in Tagaytay" tour didn't stop there as we head for our next destination:  BAG OF BEANS.

And what I thought to be just a simple coffee and desserts shop turned out to be a full fledged restaurant serving more than just a caffeine fix and sugar high. Not to mention having 4 branches and another one in the works.

If you are looking for a quick and sweet escape away from the busy corporate jungle, Bag of Beans is the right destination for you. Now standing 18 years in the nearest go-to vacation spot south of the metro, it is already considered the ultimate must-see and must-experience place in Tagaytay. 

Bag of Beans main branch may not have the popular Tagaytay view but it rivals the volcano when it comes to photo-ops and selfies. Almost every nook offers something that would catch you eye and "unleash" the photographer in you.

Be it the festive umbrellas path, the forest feels ambiance, the "quote-room" or the forever-Christmas room, there's surely a corner that you can call your own.

As if taken out of a story book, the mystic place of Bag of Beans resembles a secret garden getaway with its forest like garden and rustic interior design. 

This family-owned venture is carefully structured to exude a homey and relaxing ambience where you can savor fresh and appetizing flavours.

And speaking of flavours, we tried to have a light snack since after this visit, dinner will be next on the "eatinerary".

 How about some Double Decker Burger and rootbeer float as a "light" meryenda? Or some pies - mixed fruits, apple, Shepherd's, chicken and more. Definitely, not  the light one we planned it to be but still a delicious way to discover the Bag of Beans menu.

We dropped by Rowena's Pasalubong Shop, to get ourselves some souvenirs - mostly the "eatable" ones. Best-sellers are the Buko Tarts that eventually led to other flavors and variants likes the cheese tarts that comes in fruit flavors and chocolate.

But the one that caught my attention were the Pastimallows (colored "balls" below) - a combination of pastillas and marshmallows. It's basically mallows that are "wrapped" in pastillas.

After a quick freshening up at the hotel, dinner was last on our agenda that day. At first I thought we  were at the wrong place given all the antiques that greeted us.

But gradually it became clear that PAMANA RESTAURANT is all about heirloom - from antiques they display and sell to the food they serve. And dining at Pamana is like eating at home with its  relaxed ambiance and every dish has a story to tell...

Restaurateur Happy Ongpauco (on her website) personally welcomes guests and tells her story. "I am proud of the legacy my family has handed down to me - 100 years of delicious and authentic Filipino food derived from passion for cooking and love for the family.

 I thank my loved ones and friends who have inspired me passing on to me their family secrets and sharing with me their way of celebrating life.

"Now, I present to you this timeless collection of dishes that has been handed down from generation to generation. A treasure selection of heirloom recipes that has brought my family and other families together, form joyful and loving memories in the dining table.

I am proud to share with you this PAMANA - a true legacy of Filipino cuisine."

And what more defines Tagaytay than a big bowl of piping hot bulalo? A very fitting finale to cap off our day of chasing wonders in Tagaytay. Tender beef that falls off the beef shank with a savory broth and luscious vegetables - it's one gastronomic definition of Tagaytay I would never miss!

Pamana is the sister restaurant of Barrio Fiesta, where the sinfully indulgent Crispy Pata was born.

 And it was Happy's father - Rod Ongpauco, who created this specialty of pork knuckles simmered until tender then fried to golden brown perfection. At Pamana, it comes in original, spicy or garlic variant.

Other equally delicious specialties served on our dinner table were Sweet & Sour Lapu-Lapu, Crispy Pusit in Squid Ink (one of the most raved dishes that night), Seafood Kare-Kare, Binago-ngang Bagnet, Pancit Buko, Seafood Paella and Guinumis, an indulgent shaved ice dessert with pinipig, sago, gata and evaporated milk - topped with homemade ice cream. 

And as if to check if we all had a great time is the Ongpauco family "wall album" that adorns the stairway. Happy, in an interview for Asian Traveler Magazine, says “Our dishes are regional favorites from all over. We get dishes from everywhere: Ilonggo, Visayan, Bicolano, Kapampangan. That way, no one gets left out. Everyone feels like they have something to come home to Pamana." 

All good things come to an end. With heavy hearts yet full of memories, we prepared for our trip back to Manila the following day. Breakfast was our last agenda in Tagaytay and given this lively and natural setting at Amacena - it was hard to say goodbye especially to the great food we had in the past 3 days.

As a delicious send-off we had chicken adobo, pork tocino and my favorite corned beef, among others. Amacena really takes pride with their corned beef that they served it two-days in a row.

And I am not complaining a bit. I just love it! In fact everything that Tagaytay offered us during our 3 day and 2 night stay were special and worth remembering.

TAGAYATAY. Its breathtaking natural wonders are more than enough to welcome and bid you goodbye. The man-made sights we've been to complements are hard to forget .

And the gastronomy it offered - from the modern and chic to local and heritage cuisine are forever etched in our taste memories....  all these make Chasing Wonders in Tagaytay with AirAsia truly unforgettable!

Chase your own wonders in Tagaytay and beyond with these scheduled flights from AirAsia between Iloilo and Manila 3X daily.

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