The Secrets of Tagaytay!

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The Definitive Travel Guide to an Awesome Tagaytay Experience!

Every Filipino loves Tagaytay! It is the best place for cool weather, awesome food, and fantastic nature view. There is more to Tagaytay than the usual places that you go to. I've been going to Tagaytay almost 10x a year and I plan to share with you the best places, secret escapes, and awesome tips. Best of All, you can contribute to this lens guide to make this the definitive guide to the awesome secrets in Tagaytay!

Secret #1: Best Pasalubong that is Uniquely Tagaytay!

Everytime you go up to Tagaytay that it is a must to bring something home to your love ones. These are the best Pasalubong that Tagaytay offers:

1. Fresh Pineapple. Make sure to buy from the farmers themselves where you would normally see them displaying the pineapple along the streets. I don't usually buy from the market stalls since they are a bit expensive.

2. Buco Tart. This is a signature Tagaytay Pasalubong. Make sure to buy your miniature Buco Tarts from Rowena or Amira's which are also available in Angel Hill's retreat house beside Pink Sisters.

3. Pink Sister's Angel Cookies. This is an all time favorite. We usually buy these as a pasalubong at the same time a contribution to the Pink Sisters. We usually make it a point to visit Pink Sister's everytime we go up in Tagaytay. The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed in the Church.

4. Good Shepherd Convent Ube Jam. My wife loves these Ube Jam but I'm glad she outgrew it already. The Tagaytay Ube Jam is no match for the Baguio ones but this is a good pasalubong for your love ones.

5. Steamed Peanuts. I love buying these steamed peanuts that are only abundant from the Mendez Intersection. I usually buy some to eat in the car and some to take home as pasalubong.

Secret #2: One of the World's Most Expensive Coffee is Available in Tagaytay!

If you are a coffee connoiseur, it is a must that you try Coffee Alamid which is available in Bag of Beans in Tagaytay! This coffee became globally famous when it was featured in Oprah. While you are in Bag of Beans, you can order their Blueberry Cheescak

Coffee Alamid is Philippine civet coffee that comes only from the sweetest coffee cherries of the Philippine forests. The palm civets that naturally propagate the sugar palm trees are also the same civets that choose and eat these ripe cherries. The beans are then fermented in the digestive system of the civets, then excreted as whole beans. The coffee farmers pick these civet droppings during coffee season.

Coffee Alamid is a natural blend of the Philippine finest Liberica, Exelsa, Robusta and Arabica beans. The nocturnal civets freely roam the forests in the wild. The beans are all collected in the wild.

Coffee Alamid when roasted, has sweet, chocolatey aroma that heightens the senses. It is light and naturally sweet. Its fine and smooth taste is perfect for a good morning start. It is a winning formula during high power meetings. Enjoy it black and pure to savor its true taste and aroma.

(From Arengga.com )

Secret #4: La Esquina @ Splendido - The Newest Fine Dining and Mediterranean Place in Tagaytay

Are you tired of always just eating in Antonio's or Cafe Verbenna or in Tagaytay Highlands?

The Buzz is getting louder on this new mediterranean place in Spendido Golf Course in Tagaytay. The Famous Spanish Cuisine of Chef Ed's Quimson in Makati is now transfered to La Esquina and together with Heny Sison's Desserts, this place will be awesome!

Secret #5: The Best Spas in Tagaytay

Maybe you are looking for a relaxing Spa escape in Tagaytay. Here are the top 5 choices for you.

1. Nurture Spa. By far the #1 Spa in Tagaytay because it is accessible by everyone. The nature and ifugao huts ambiance are very relaxing. It is affordable and the Massage is at Par with most Spa in Manila.

2. Sanctuario Spa @ Canyon Woods. This is the second branch of the famous Filipino inspired Sanctuario Spa in Malate. The Massage is a lot lot better than nurture spa but this is located inside Canyon Woods Main Clubhouse. It is exclusively for members and their guest but sometimes you can talk directly to Sanctuario to let you in for the spa :)

3. Tagaytay Highlands Spa and Lodge. This one you definitely need to be accompanied or endorsed by a member to enter Tagaytay Highlands. The Spa is located in a country style and log cabin ambiance. I usually only able to try this when we have a company teambuilding in highlands. The Massage is very good too.

4. Discovery Country Suites Luxury Spa. You need to stay in Discovery Suites in order to get their spa services. The accomodation cost is quite expensive and I'm sure even the spa services.

5. Ylang Ylang Spa @ Taal Vista Lodge. This is the Fuego hotels version of Spa located in the newly renovated Taal Vista Lodge. I haven't tried it but it looks like a hotel spa which you can get in Manila anyway.

Images of Tagaytay

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Secret #7: Best Filipino Restaurant in Tagaytay

If you have visitors, you might want to bring them to the very best of Filipino cuisine. Here are the top 5 Best Filipino Restaurants in Tagaytay!

1. Josephine's Restaurant. For me, this is the #1 Filipino Restaurant in Tagaytay. Although, it is more expensive, you are ensured that you are getting the best quality in Filipino Food. Also, make sure that you seat near the large window with a view of the Taal Lake.

2. Viewsite Restaurant. There are two locations, one near Josephine's (which gets the customer overflow from Josephine's) and the most famous one near the Mendez intersection. Don't forget to order Tawilis which you can only find in Tagaytay.

3. Leslie's Restaurant. Similarly, there are two locations. The less known one is located in the Road going to Tagaytay from Sta. Rosa. The most famous one is located in the center of Tagaytay among the rows of restaurants. We usually alternate between Leslie's and Viewsite. Don't forget to order Sinigang or the all time Favorite Bulalo!

4. Mushroom Burger. This is an All time Favorite specially for the vegetarian folks or if you want to eat a light healthy meal. Mushroom Burger still rocks!

5. Antonio's Grill. This place is also part of the Antonio's franchise but the less successful one. It serves ilonggo cuisine. For variety, this is a good place to eat different variety to Filipino cuisine.

Secret #8: Your Own Tagaytay Secrets

I always believe that everyone has their own secrets. So please don't hesitate to add your comments, secret tips, and feedback on this Tagaytay Guide!

Please don't forget to rate this lens and tell me honestly what you think about this lens.

  • jregins2 May 24, 2012 @ 4:40 pm | delete
    My compliments on a well-laid out lens. I haven't been to Tagaytay since I visited in 2005 when I was on an assignment in Manila. Hope to take my cebuano wife & son there soon.
  • Rman May 9, 2012 @ 8:53 pm | delete
    Station15 Restobar at Maharlika Drive Tagaytay City! Good Food, Good Deals on Drink with awesome clubbing ambiance! Drink and Enjoy the upbeat music with Friends in this classy and stylish restobar http://www.station15restobar.com
  • brianramos Apr 14, 2012 @ 3:27 am | delete
    i love Jeepney pinoy resto Tagaytay. It's located at the 2nd level of summit ridge promenade mall. Nag ooffer sila dun ng Unlimited cakes and coffee.... P200 lang. and take note premium ang mga selections ng cake ha... will visit there again next week, with my another set of friends, Take care all
  • rytchell Apr 13, 2012 @ 1:25 pm | delete
    why dont you try BULALO POINT RESTAURANT, thats the best bulaluhan in tagaytay, for only 300 pesos good for 3 to 4persons, the beef is so tender and the soup is tasty...they serve in the native "palayok"..the staff is so very friendly...dont forget also their yummy sizzling sisig different from d' other sisig in town!
  • hehe13 Apr 7, 2012 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    tried some rooms here and you wont regret..
    > day stay at moongarden moongardentag.multiply.com/.. unfortunately, we arrive just after a typhoon that why the place wasnt in good condition.. nevertheless ate grace was still very accomodating..
    > coffee farm house thecoffeefarmhouse.wordpress.com/.. right after work at 9am, we went dorectly from manila to tagytay, coffee here just put a kick in your soul,.. they got swimming pool and pool table.. and lots of outdoor activities..
    > sonyas garden.. www.sonyasgarden.com/ .. you wont regret going to this place.. the room, uhhhhh, the yeahhhh.. we got a room that has 3 large beds.. i dont know if this was made in error, but they inform us that nobody would be sharing our big room..
  • hehe13 Apr 7, 2012 @ 4:31 pm | delete
    tried some rooms here and you wont regret..
    > day stay at moongarden moongardentag.multiply.com/.. unfortunately, we arrive just after a typhoon that why the place wasnt in good condition.. nevertheless ate grace was still very accomodating..
    > coffee farm house thecoffeefarmhouse.wordpress.com/.. right after work at 9am, we went dorectly from manila to tagytay, coffee here just put a kick in your soul,.. they got swimming pool and pool table.. and lots of outdoor activities..
    > sonyas garden.. www.sonyasgarden.com/ .. you wont regret going to this place.. the room, uhhhhh, the yeahhhh.. we got a room that has 3 large beds.. i dont know if this was made in error, but they inform us that nobody would be sharing our big room..
  • themoneymakingguide Mar 29, 2012 @ 3:22 pm | delete
    I would love to go there sometimes.
  • Maverick_adbenturero Mar 21, 2012 @ 11:18 pm | delete
    I will never forget my experiences in Tagaytay co'z everytime na umuuwi kami ng Batangas lagi kaming dumadaan jan and someday when I already have my own money I will built my home there,:)
  • tdpubs Feb 24, 2012 @ 3:03 am | delete
    I have many friends in the Philippines and hear about this area a lot. I'm going to have to take the wife and kids there one day.
  • The Beav Jan 25, 2012 @ 2:03 am | delete
    Tagaytay is my favorite place in the Philippines. Take a jacket because sometimes it gets chilly....perfect weather for a romantic stroll
  • anapre.rc Jan 14, 2012 @ 1:43 am | delete
    Try Mama Belle's along the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Rd. New small, quaint, place with various longanisa as far as from Baguio and Cebu. Alot of take home goodies too.
  • Zdrast Vui Tia Jan 25, 2012 @ 2:05 am | delete
    Mama bells was just busted by local police for serving human flesh...never eat burgers in Tagaytay
  • theta02 Feb 14, 2012 @ 1:01 pm | delete
    is this for real??
  • theta02 Feb 14, 2012 @ 1:01 pm | delete
    is this for real??
  • Feyt Mar 3, 2012 @ 5:51 pm | delete
    stop trolling my friend! best place is in the cliffhouse at tagaytay.
  • Feyt Mar 3, 2012 @ 5:51 pm | delete
    stop trolling my friend! best place is in the cliffhouse at tagaytay.
  • jeremykim2011 Jan 11, 2012 @ 3:08 am | delete
    I love Tagaytay! Great lens!
  • Ian Dec 11, 2011 @ 3:10 am | delete
    Are you looking for a budgeted kainan in Tagaytay City, Philippines??? But doesn't affect the quality and taste of the foods. A perfect place for Barkada o Kapamilya. A perfect getaway to hold your lunch and dinner. I'm encouraging you to visit Jeepney Pinoy Resto. They are offering P99.00 with Unlimited Rice and bonus pa kapag may Special rice of the day sila! Lots of varieties ng mga ulam. good for one person pa ang servings. Ang Crispy pata. P99.00 lang.. You could also try threir best seller Kare Kareng gulay at same price! Very affordable. Talagang babalik balikan.
  • gem Mar 9, 2012 @ 2:52 am | delete
    where is this Jeepney Pinoy Resto located?
  • hiDee Mar 10, 2012 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    yup..going there tom..so where's jeepney pinoy resto??
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