Tagaytay Weekend Getaway Part 1

Our Weekend getaway (Tagaytay) Day 1 8:00 a.m. Picnic Grove 11:00 a.m. Tierra de Maria 12:00 nn lunch at Binalot sa Dahon (in front Olivares Plaza) 2:00 p.m. check-in at Tagaytay Country Hotel 6:30 p.m. dinner at the Hotel 7:00 p.m. strolling at Olivares Plaza (ukay-ukay) From Sorsogon City, my hubby and I with our baby, rode a bus and arrived at Turbina at 4:00 a.m. We stayed at a Bulalohan restaurant till 6:00 a.m. Then, we rode a jeepney to SM City Calamba. At the rear right of the mall, there is a van terminal. The first line is bound to Tagaytay Olivares. The van was so full that we couldn’t even move comfortably but at least we’re happy that we’re on the right track. The fare is only P70.00. Travel time is 45 minutes. We arrived at Olivares (Emilio Aguinaldo Highway) at 7:45 a.m. First, we looked for Tagaytay Country Hotel. We walked towards Olivares Plaza. I was so delighted to finally see this place. I’ve been searching about this on line and I started loving the design of each store and I love it even more this time. I just love those vines creeping on arched windows and doors. It was like I was in a classic film or a romance novel. There were also names of plants embossed on an oval shaped wooden piece after each store. We also found Olivares College at the back of a textile establishment. Then, there’s Tagaytay Country Hotel parking lot. Though there's another way to enter the hotel from the Olivares Plaza itself. You would pass a canteen or two and you will see a small gate. We didn't check in yet since we are required to do so at 2pm, as said on the e-mail sent to me. We rode a tricycle to Picnic Grove. Fare is P 60.00. Quite shocking but we can't do anything about it. Good that Tiera de Maria was near Picnic Grove so we decided to go there by just walking. Picnic Grove has an entrance fee of P50.00. It features zipline and cable car. It has lots of cottages for rent ranging from P150-P500.00.If you don't want cottages, they have tables with P100.00 rental fee. They also have souvenir shops and eateries. You can also have a relaxing time at the Fish Spa (P199.00) with free foot massage. There's also a canteen near the fish spa which serves snacks and goodies for kids. It also has a wishing well outside and some tables. What I love most is the exquisite view of Taal Volcano from a huge cottage above the zip line area. Below the said area, you can find a souvenir store and connecting bridges and stairs. We passed by a hanging bridge which made me sweat a lot 'coz I have fear of heights. But I did it anyway 'coz of hubby's convincing power.

After spending 2 hours in Picnic Grove, we walked to Tiera de Maria. Wow! The huge image of the Blessed Virgin is awesome and it's really a great place to meditate especially this Advent season. Mama Mary Store has lots of goodies. We lit a blue candle beside a wishing well, yes, this is the 2nd wishing well of the day! :) We even found Pope Francis T-shirt! We did not hesitate to buy 3 shirts. hahaha! We also spent time in the chapel where we found several images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. In the second floor, we found a huge tiled Calendar with images of saints. In the third floor, a closer look of the giant image of the Blessed Virgin. By the way, outside the chapel, there are plants for sale and you can see caged birds near the entrance. There are also huge religious paintings beside the pathway.

Finally, we had our lunch at Binalot sa Dahon Restaurant in front Olivares Plaza. I love their chicken recipe. We ordered Twin Chicken (as said in the menu) and those were huge and tasty ones. We just spent 2 hours in that restaurant 'coz baby started misbehaving and had her bathroom round.

Just meters away, was our most awaited destination-- the hotel. We were really yearning for some rest after 12 hours of bus ride and half day walk with our backpacks. We chose to pass by the Olivares College to the hotel's parking lot. We saw the main entrance and quickly hopped towards it. I excitedly grabbed the vouchers sent by Jobmatch Pro. Sir Lito, the Reservation Officer gladly accepted those and someone assisted my husband and I to our room. Baby was even quiet. Her eyes were busy looking at her new environment. She rolled happily on bed signaling that it's rest time. I love the room assigned to us! (Superior Room). It has a queen size bed, huge cabinet, coffee table, air condition, TV and refrigerator.It was so cozy, comfy and feels like home! We slept for several hours. Then we had our dinner at the Country Cafe. Yipee! time to use our restaurant voucher! Eating is more fun when it's free. Afterwards, we went strolling at Olivares Plaza. I love the ukay-ukay stores!There's also Puregold Jr. and budget-friendly Uno Dept. Store within Olivares Plaza.