You know how Superman has his Fortress of Solitude he retreats to every now and then? Well, I have…read moremy own, too. Granted, it's not made of ice and doesn't have a statue of Jor-El and Lara holding a globe of Krypton, it is my place of solace. Post-class hours, pre-class hours, and sometimes even during class hours, you'll find college me here. To say that this park is beautiful is an understatement. Seriously, it's almost offensive! Freedom Park (aka F-park) is beyond beautiful, it's ineffable. Anyone who's ever been, can attest to this. But hey, you don't have to take our word for it, go on a roadtrip to Elbi this weekend. Bring a blanket and a telescope. You're welcome.

I lovr this place. You can bring your own food then enjoy the scenery of the campus. There are also…read morelots of people around so it is easyto meet new friends

It was a nice view of Tagaytay and it's cooler. This was my first time visiting this location. You…read morehave to pay entrance for your vehicle and you have to pay entrance for the park and to have a shuttle cart take you to the top. You can walk too for free. While enjoying the view, there are also some souvenirs stores and places to eat.

People's Park in the Sky in Tagaytay had some really nice views. It was originally a partly-built…read moremansion called Palace in the Sky (from the Marcos era) but was converted into a hilltop park at the highest point in Cavite. It has panoramic views of Tagaytay, Taal Volcano, & Taal Lake. It was super windy the day I came but beautiful views. It can get foggy here. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for all the walking.

Kids today are more indoors than ever before. Pollution, crime and the heat are making parents…read morerethink their child rearing ways. Tablets and other gadgets are being freely given to these kids and in turn, they become perfectly content with staying in their rooms all day. Our outdoor culture is already diminishing and what better way to bring it back than to take children to the farm? Holding baby pigs, fishing, riding carabaos, feeding rabbits- these are just some of the things that your kids can experience at the Sta. Elena Fun Farm. I see this place as a quick retreat from the city, a breather from the traffic, buildings and all the asphalt that has enveloped Manila. It doesn't take so long to get there and once you reach the place, you'll fall in love with it. Tips: 1. Take the kids here on a weekend complete with a picnic basket. 2. Entrance is P300 for kids and adults. Any kid below 2 years old is free. 3. Lolos and lolas get discounts too!

One of my best friends had her son celebrate his second birthday at The Fun farm at Sta. Elena for…read moreseveral reasons: 1. the little boy loves animals 2. the weather during that time of the year was suitable for an outdoor/al fresco party She had decided on a theme reminiscent of barns, the countryside, and good old fashioned country living. The Fun Farm was perfect with it's main hall made of wood exuding an earthy feel, wooden tables and benches perfect for picnic set-ups, and of course, the venue was surrounded by horseback riding trails, rabbit houses, a pond where kids and their daddies can take a swing at fishing, and other animals that kids and adults can enjoy seeing up close. She was also allowed to bring in her own caterer which was very convenient as they preferred all sorts of food and got a few suppliers for several kinds of items they wanted to serve, like grilled chicken, lechon, pansit, chicken drumsticks and other food everyone gets to enjoy at kiddie parties. It turned out to be a simple but very memorable afternoon, not just for the kids but for adults like me, too.

While we always go to Tagaytay - both planned and unplanned. We would pass Nuvali on our way up and…read moresometimes stop over when we're hungry. I've seen the 'Wakepark' signs but didn't really know where it is, maybe because I wasn't looking hard enough. Or I just have just looked it up online to see the map. My friends took me to go Republic Wakepark because it's their recreational activity, to get away from the stress that living in the Metro brings, well, also school. And it's something that's fun to experience together as a group (individually if we're being specific but you get what I'm saying). I love these types of things because I know everyone gets tired of doing the same old thing and with Nuvali being about an hour or less drive away from Metro Manila, it's the perfect thing to do. If you don't think it's for you and you're being invited to come along then you can always go and stay at the bar or at the pool, take pictures and hang out.

This is the main hangout space for my friends whenever we come back to Manila from studying abroad…read more The employees are very accommodating and are very helpful in teaching you how to wakeboard. It is in a great location and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves water sports within the South area. However, the rentals for boards are quite expensive and are very limited to only a couple of boards if you have grown out of the slip-on boards. The food service takes quite awhile for you to get your food. Putting that aside, this is a place that I would highly recommend anyone to come to for a day mainly just for the awesome facility to wakeboard. It's also best to go during the weekdays early in the morning so that you can get the most out of your buck, or else you would be in line for quite awhile as that takes up your riding time. Night boarding on the weekends are also enjoyable and are less crowded than during the day based on my experience from going.

The all new improved CDC Playground just got a major make over and it is now open for the public…read more Yup! It is free and the place is great!. There are two sets of swings, two seesaws, and two (big and small) slides. This will definitely be a treat for the kids. There is a medium size fountain with nine water spouts. My daughter and I had the chance to see it work along with other (I think five more) mini fountains. Got to appreciate the rubber flooring on the slides and attention to details on the project. The previous park was more of a settling for a horror flick and people rarely visit the place especially because the slide has a strong static shock. But this new one is miles apart from the old version. There is ample space for vehicles to park and concrete tables and benches are readily available. There is also a designated security guard manning the place plus a janitor roaming the playground to clean it. The newly renovated restrooms are also clean and stench-free. There is good amount of water coming out of the faucet, urinals, and toilets. I must admit that I am really impressed with this new development. NOTE: In case you would want to just unwind and have a little chitchat while the kids play or there is someone to take good care of them while you want to he your "ME" time, stay at the patio on the North end of the playground. People rarely go there. The singular fountain, winding pathway, and landscaping are most ideal for some friendly conversation with someone dear, or a haven for reading a good book while enjoying what nature and CDC has to offer.

The place is just an hour and half away from manila. You just neeed to take the South Express way,…read moreexit on Santa Rosa tollway, keep right as you exit turn right, then follow the National Road going to Tagaytay. After Vista Mall, you will see Nuvali on your left. What I like about Nuvali is that, even though it is an hour away, the environment is completely different from Manila. Apart from the malls and outlet stores, there are so many activities you and your family can enjoy while in Nuvali. You can bring your bike and ride their trails. You can jog with your family and have a picnic. Seda Hotel is also nearby so you and your family can stay over for a weekend gateaway from the hustle of the city. Right beside Nuvali is another mall called Solenad. Just walk over there and there's more to see and do especially during weekends. A day or two is good enough if you want to explore that area. Also, there is a huge pond beside the restaurants where you can sit, relax, and people watch. If you are with your kids, buy some fish food and see hundreds pack together when you feed them!

A few years back, my cousins and I decided to go on a road trip to Tagaytay on a weekend. Nuvali,…read morethen newly opened, was part of the itinerary. Since we left very early in the morning, we arrived there around the opening time. We had many other places to visit but we stayed in Nuvali for an hour or two. After having light snacks, we tried some lake activities - riding a boat and feeding fish in the pond. The school of fish in the pond were amusing to watch. Like a mob, they huddled in the area where fish feeds fall. The victor would then open its mouth - yes, you could actually see their mouths open - and eat the prize. But, the more exciting one of the two activities was riding the boats. Since it was very early in the morning, the wind was cool and fresh; I enjoyed how the wind touched my face as the boat transported us from one end to the next. After one roundtrip, we left Nuvali for we had to visit other places too. Our stay was only short but it was definitely fun.

I am not afraid of heights and I was so excited when my then boyfriend and now husband, took me to…read morethe Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car at the Picnic Grove to celebrate our first anniversary. Back then, I see myself as a fearless woman, ready to go on any adventure. I was so psyche to take the plunge and tick another item on my bucket list. My husband and I were feeling giddy as the crew bind and attached the safety harness on us. I must admit that I was a bit terrified of what we were about to do at that time when I looked down and discovered at how high we were in. I just consoled myself thinking that if something bad happens, there will be a lot of trees that would hopefully break my fall. Thankfully, that didn't happen. After the briefing, the crew gave us a little push and we were cruising the zipline in what seemed to me as slow motion. I was half screaming and half laughing as we go on the line to conquer that uninvited timidity. It was one exhilarating ride and I was so proud of myself for having the courage to finally do that. If you happen to be in Tagaytay this weekend, visit the Picnic Grove and go try out the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car for that one of a kind adventure.

The park at Phil-Am Village (PVHA Park to some) is wonderful. Why? Let us count the ways…read more 1. Lots of trees means lots of shade so you can actually lay a banig, rest under trees and enjoy the breeze. 2. There's a jogging patch along the perimeter of the park. Then there's one inside as well, which the trees hover upon so the path is quite shaded. 3. Aside from the jogging path, there are also benches under the trees where those who don't have their banigs can rest. 4. Free massage! The baranggay of Pamplona Dos gives free reflexology training and the dedicated are for the masseuse to put these skills to practice and gain customers is at the PVHA Park. 5. There's a well-maintained children's playground with the standards like swing sets, a slide, see-saw, monkey bars and more. 6. The full-sized basketball court at the PVHA Park is of such good quality that it is even rented by companies for their sportsfests. 7. There's also a tennis court which the PVHA Tennis Club calls home. 8. An open area serves as a small soccer field where villagers and non-villagers play in the afternoons. 9. Another structure serves as a badminton and volleyball court, plus a venue for zumba classes at least twice a week. 10. Every Sunday, there are several food stalls selling an assortment of snacks and other delicacies for villagers and church-goers alike. Would I dare say it's the best park in our area? Why not visit then you be the judge.

My first time staying at Taal Vista Hotel. My dad booked us for a 3 day stay as my parents frequent…read moreTaal Vista Hotel and wanted us to experience Tagaytay the way they do. Customer service is excellent. All the staff we came across with was great. Andrei at the front desk was welcoming however there was a snafu with breakfast buffet with the lady at breakfast check in. The lady had us down for 3 adults and 1 child when Andrei charged us additional 2,000 pesos per day for our child and was counted as adult due to our child's age. Anything above 12 is considered an adult. They didn't inform us that during booking. With the additional charge, we were told the price was inclusive of the breakfast buffet for the days we are here. The housekeeping staff was excellent and amazing. They came by several times to bring us towels, slippers and toiletries. There was also a water refill station outside our hotel room. Our room had an excellent view of the Taal Volcano. Our room also had a pretty balcony with table and chairs. Breakfast buffet was delicious and replenished throughout the time we were having breakfast. There are plenty of variety and food options for buffet from fresh fruits to waffles, pancakes and the traditional Filipino breakfast. There's too many to mention. They served classic Filipino traditional breakfast along with American, Chinese, Korean and Mexican style breakfast. They also offered a variety of freshly squeezed juices and breads. Along with freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate and tea. Oh the icing on the cake were 3 men serenading you with live performance and instruments on hand. Will share our experience at Taal Vista Hotel with all our friends and family when we go back home.

During Easter Sunday, my husband and I wanted to find someplace special to spend the afternoon, so…read morewe decided to drive up to Tagaytay -- one of the Philippines' most beloved resort and tourist destinations. Tagaytay sits high in the mountains overlooking Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. The elevation gives the city a much cooler climate than Metro Manila, which honestly is part of the appeal. After the heat and traffic of the lowlands, arriving in Tagaytay almost feels like stepping into another world entirely. The views overlooking the volcano are absolutely spectacular. Taal itself is fascinating because it is one of the world's smallest active volcanoes, sitting within a lake, which itself sits inside a larger volcanic caldera. The entire landscape has this dramatic beauty to it when viewed from the ridge roads and hotels perched high above the lake. For our Easter brunch, we chose the famous Taal Vista Hotel, which has one of the prime viewing locations in the area. The buffet itself was wonderful. There were many distinctive offerings ranging from Filipino dishes to international selections, along with a large assortment of desserts and breads. Everything felt fresh, plentiful, and beautifully presented. The service throughout brunch was also excellent -- attentive, warm, and polished in that distinctly Filipino way that always makes guests feel genuinely welcomed. But honestly, one of the most memorable parts of the experience was the entertainment. Throughout brunch, there were traditional Filipino folk dancers and performers moving through the dining area performing cultural dances in vibrant historical costumes. The music, movement, and dramatic presentation added so much atmosphere to the meal. It transformed brunch from simply eating into something celebratory and immersive. After we finished eating, my husband and I wandered outside to stroll along the viewing areas overlooking the volcano and lake below. The weather was absolutely beautiful -- cool breezes, soft clouds drifting over the mountains, and that peaceful Tagaytay atmosphere that always makes you want to linger a little longer than you planned. It turned into a truly lovely Easter Sunday together.